neutral lipid metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving neutral lipids, lipids only soluble in solvents of very low polarity. [ISBN:0198547684]

Neutral lipid metabolism is a fundamental biological process involved in the synthesis, storage, and breakdown of neutral lipids, primarily triglycerides and cholesterol esters. These lipids serve as energy reserves, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules. The process involves several key enzymes and pathways, including:'

'**1. Lipid Synthesis (Lipogenesis):**'
' - **Glycerol-3-phosphate pathway:** The starting point for triglyceride synthesis, where glycerol-3-phosphate is converted into diacylglycerol, which then reacts with fatty acids to form triglycerides.'
' - **Fatty acid synthesis:** The process of creating fatty acids from acetyl-CoA, a key molecule derived from carbohydrate metabolism. This involves a series of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by fatty acid synthase.'
' - **Cholesterol biosynthesis:** The complex pathway for synthesizing cholesterol from acetyl-CoA, involving numerous enzymes and intermediate molecules.'

'**2. Lipid Storage:**'
' - **Adipocytes:** Specialized cells that store triglycerides as lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. These droplets are surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids and proteins that regulate lipid mobilization.'
' - **Lipoprotein lipase (LPL):** An enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides in lipoproteins, releasing free fatty acids for uptake by tissues.'

'**3. Lipid Breakdown (Lipolysis):**'
' - **Hormonal regulation:** Hormones such as adrenaline, glucagon, and growth hormone stimulate lipolysis.'
' - **Lipases:** Enzymes that break down triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.'
' - **Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL):** A key lipase that hydrolyzes triglycerides in adipose tissue.'

'**4. Lipid Transport:**'
' - **Lipoproteins:** Complexes that transport lipids in the blood, including chylomicrons, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).'
' - **Apolipoproteins:** Proteins that associate with lipoproteins, regulating their metabolism and interaction with tissues.'

'**5. Regulation of Lipid Metabolism:**'
' - **Insulin:** A hormone that promotes lipid storage by stimulating lipogenesis and inhibiting lipolysis.'
' - **Glucagon:** A hormone that promotes lipid breakdown by stimulating lipolysis.'
' - **Transcription factors:** Proteins that regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs).'

'**Overall, neutral lipid metabolism is a highly integrated and dynamic process that is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis, cellular function, and overall health. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism can contribute to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (643)