The relationship between intestinal lipid transport processes, insulin metabolism, and modulation by dietary lipids

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

How the intestine absorbs and transports dietary fats is major area where we need greater understanding of the basic physiological processes involved. Emerging evidence suggests the intestine contributes significantly to whole body cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, yet there remains a lack of knowledge regarding the regulation of intestinal lipid absorption, and transport of dietary lipids to the circulation via intestinal lipoproteins (chylomicrons). We know a lot about the liver and how it handles lipids, but we have limited knowledge about how the intestine regulates lipid metabolism. I and others have contributed to the understanding that dietary lipid content can alter intestinal absorption and metabolism of chylomicrons. Recent evidence suggests that specific intestinal transporters are involved in lipid absorption and production of intestinal chylomicrons, and these processes may be intrinsically linked with insulin metabolism. The principle objective of my research program is to establish the physiological relationship between intestinal lipid absorption, chylomicron production, and insulin status, and the role dietary lipids may play in modulating these processes. The scientific strategy is to use an integrated approach with complimentary techniques which are unique to my laboratory to investigate the 'absorption to secretion' axis of lipid metabolism in the intestine. It is envisioned that this research program will provide mechanistic insights into how the intestine processes dietary fat, and how it adapts or modulates intestinal lipid transport processes in different metabolic and dietary conditions.