Defining the role of ubiquitination in the regulation of lipid droplets

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Project Summary / Abstract In order to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat the increasing epidemic of metabolic diseases (eg. obesity, diabetes, and hepatic steatosis) an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the storage and mobilization of fat is critical. In cells, fat is stored as triacylglycerol in lipid droplets (LDs), an endoplasmic reticulum-derived organelle composed of a neutral lipid core encircled by a phospholipid monolayer decorated with embedded proteins. Despite the clear importance of the LD proteome in controlling LD function, the mechanisms involved in regulating their activities and levels are poorly understood. Posttranslational conjugation with ubiquitin, which occurs via an enzymatic cascade involving an E1, E2, and E3 enzyme, regulates virtually every cellular process. Our preliminary findings identify a metabolically regulated LD ubiquitination pathway that involves UBXD8-mediated recruitment of p97/VCP and regulation LD turnover catalyzed by ATGL, the rate-limiting enzyme in lipolysis. These preliminary data establish the functional importance of this pathway in LD biology and provide a foundation for further mechanistic studies. The studies described in this application are designed to test the hypothesis that UBXD8 functions as a sensor for fatty acids that stabilizes LDs in response to metabolic signals by targeting the enzymes required for lipolysis for Ub-dependent silencing. Specifically, the studies proposed in this grant will elucidate the mechanism of UBXD8-mediated inhibition of ATGL function (Aim 1), will construct a comprehensive map of the LD-associated ubiquitination networks (Aim 2), and will identify LD ubiquitination targets and their regulation by the metabolic state of the cell (Aim 3). I have extensive experience in the application of cell biology and biochemistry approaches to understand the role of the ubiquitin system in various aspects of cellular protein quality and quantity control. As a postdoctoral scholar I have expanded my research training to include systems-level strategies, quantitative proteomics methodologies, and LD functional assays. During the mentored K99 phase of this award I will work closely with my mentors Dr. Ron Kopito and Dr. Robert Farese Jr., recognized experts in the fields of ubiquitin biology and lipid metabolism, to perform the proposed research and to implement my research and career plan. Under their mentorship I will benefit from the combined environments of Stanford University and the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, which together provide an environment rich with opportunities for experimental training, intellectual growth, collaborations, networking, career development, and innovative research. My short-term goal is to obtain a position as an independent investigator, and during the R00 period of the award I will develop a robust and original research program focused on the contribution of ubiquitin to LD function in health and disease. My long-term goal is to function as a scientific leader and mentor to promote pioneering research that advances the fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism and that ultimately leads to the successful development and implementation of efficacious strategies to treat metabolic diseases.