Does Leptin Induce Lipolysis?
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
12-4-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
12-4-2022 3:30 PM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology, Biochemistry
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Charles Krois
Mentor's Department
Biochemistry, Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in the United States over the last three decades. With its rising prevalence and associated health problems, obesity is an increasingly important medical and public health issue. In an attempt to solve this issue, we have proposed this research.
Through thermogenesis, brown fat produces heat and maintains body temperature primarily by consuming fatty acids. To do so, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) activate the phosphorylation (addition of a phosphate) of protein kinase A(PKA), which leads to the activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Hormone-sensitive lipase facilitates the metabolic process lipolysis, where triglycerides (stored fat) are broken down into glycerol and three fatty acids. Once broken down, both glycerol and fatty acids are utilized by our body to fuel processes such as insulation and energy. Leptin, a hormone released from fat cells in adipose tissues, signals by activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, which ultimately leads to the phosphorylation of proteins called STAT. Although leptin has been shown to crosstalk with the GPCR pathway by inhibiting PKA in endothelial cells, it remains a question if it alters lipolysis in brown adipose tissues. This proposal tests a mechanism whereby leptin induces lipolysis by the cross-relation of the GPCR and JAK-STAT pathways in cultured brown fat. The amount of released glycerol will be measured in samples with Free Glycerol Reagent, which changes color proportional to the amount of glycerol present. Western blotting will then establish whether the phosphorylation of HSL is caused by leptin treatment. A higher ratio of phosphorylated to non-phosphorylated HSL identifies how much phosphorylation occurred due to leptin. This finding will allow us to have a better understanding of leptin’s effect on lipolysis. Moreover, it will also enhance our understanding of treating several metabolic and obesity-related diseases.
Does Leptin Induce Lipolysis?
CSU Ballroom
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in the United States over the last three decades. With its rising prevalence and associated health problems, obesity is an increasingly important medical and public health issue. In an attempt to solve this issue, we have proposed this research.
Through thermogenesis, brown fat produces heat and maintains body temperature primarily by consuming fatty acids. To do so, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) activate the phosphorylation (addition of a phosphate) of protein kinase A(PKA), which leads to the activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Hormone-sensitive lipase facilitates the metabolic process lipolysis, where triglycerides (stored fat) are broken down into glycerol and three fatty acids. Once broken down, both glycerol and fatty acids are utilized by our body to fuel processes such as insulation and energy. Leptin, a hormone released from fat cells in adipose tissues, signals by activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, which ultimately leads to the phosphorylation of proteins called STAT. Although leptin has been shown to crosstalk with the GPCR pathway by inhibiting PKA in endothelial cells, it remains a question if it alters lipolysis in brown adipose tissues. This proposal tests a mechanism whereby leptin induces lipolysis by the cross-relation of the GPCR and JAK-STAT pathways in cultured brown fat. The amount of released glycerol will be measured in samples with Free Glycerol Reagent, which changes color proportional to the amount of glycerol present. Western blotting will then establish whether the phosphorylation of HSL is caused by leptin treatment. A higher ratio of phosphorylated to non-phosphorylated HSL identifies how much phosphorylation occurred due to leptin. This finding will allow us to have a better understanding of leptin’s effect on lipolysis. Moreover, it will also enhance our understanding of treating several metabolic and obesity-related diseases.
Recommended Citation
Gonfa, Tensae. "Does Leptin Induce Lipolysis?." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 12, 2022.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2022/poster-session-02/11
