Triacylglycerol lipases and metabolic control: implications for health and disease

Fatty acids derived from the hydrolysis of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle triacylglycerol (TG) are an important energy substrate at rest and during physical activity. This review outlines the identification of the new TG lipase, adipose triglyceride lipase, the current understanding of how cellular TG lipases are regulated, and the implications for understanding the integrated control of TG lipolysis. Furthermore, this review outlines recent advances that propose a "revised" role for TG lipases in cellular function, metabolic homeostasis, and disease prevention.