Role of DGAT Enzymes in the Nervous System

Abstract

Defects in lipid metabolism have been associated with neurodegenerative disease and neurological conditions. Increased levels of triglyceride in the brain, specifically, the accumulation of lipid droplets has been associated with Alzheimers disease, motor neuron degeneration and spastic paraplegia. The causes and consequences of abnormal lipid metabolism in the brain are largely unexplored. DGAT enzymes in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle are the rate limiting step of triglyceride synthesis and LD formation. The goal of this research project is to establish if DGAT enzymes are required for LD formation in the nervous system under normal conditions. The neuron-specific and oligodendrocyte-specific DGAT knock-out mice may be useful in future studies of LD formation in neurodegenerative and neurological conditions.