Dissection of the effects by extracellular hydrolysis products of triglycerides and phospholipids on cellular functions

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Lipids have numerous biological functions. They are an important component of cell membranes, they can supply energy to cells, and they can affect biological functions in cells. Lipids that are obtained through diet, as well as some of the lipids that can be synthesized by cells, are transported in the circulation of all mammals by large complexes known as lipoproteins. Well known lipoproteins include LDL (the “bad cholesterol”) and HDL (the “good cholesterol”). The break-down of lipids in the circulation by a group of enzymes known as lipases results in the formation of “hydrolysis products”. These hydrolysis products include fatty acids. The hydrolysis products can be delivered from the circulation to cells. We previously showed that hydrolysis products can alter cell functions. Some of the altered functions may be beneficial and some may be detrimental to the normal function of cells. The focus of our NSERC-funded research is to understand the cell functions that are affected by hydrolysis products. Our studies will likely have a future impact in further understanding how lipids contribute at the cell level in a variety of ailments, such as obesity and heart disease.