Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Our research interests are in the general area of cellular lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The work is aimed primarily at understanding the mechanisms regulating cholesterol and triglyceride accumulation in cells. We utilize a variety of techniques from cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Current research projects focus on the regulation of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). HSL is an intracellular enzyme responsible for the cytosolic hydrolysis of intracellular triglyceride and cholesteryl esters. Thus, it has an important role in fat mobilization, but also in cholesterol metabolism. We are examining all aspects of the biology of HSL, including its mechanisms of action and its structure-function relationships in regard to adipose cell function and steroid hormone synthesis.
