SFB Biomembrane Research Center, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Kari-Franzens-University Graz, Austria.
The dual function of lipoprotein lipase as a triglyceride hydrolase and a ligand/bridging factor for receptor-mediated lipoprotein uptake implies an important role of the enzyme in the distribution of fatty acids and lipoproteins among extrahepatic tissues. Observations in humans and, more recently, in several induced mutant mouse strains have provided important insights on how fat calories and lipids are partitioned to storage or energy production through the tissue-specific regulation of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue and muscle. Imbalances of the tissue-specific expression of lipoprotein lipase were recognized as potentially important effectors of lipoprotein metabolism, energy homeostasis and body weight regulation.