Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

The patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein (PNPLA) family is a novel family of lipid-metabolizing enzymes with homology to plant lipases. Several members of this family have been shown to play critical roles in human metabolism and disease, particularly PNPLA2 (also known as adipose triglyceride lipase, ATGL) and PNPLA3 (or adiponutrin). PNPLA2 catalyzes the rate-limiting step in triacylyglycerol (TAG) hydrolysis. PNPLA3 is a nutritionally-regulated gene that is strongly associated with hepatic steatosis/injury in humans. At least 9 related PNPLA proteins have been identified in humans and numerous other evolutionarily related proteins have been identified in non-human species. Although several of these proteins have been shown to play critical roles in normal physiology and disease, the regulation, function and physiological relevance of many of these proteins remain largely unknown. A bioinformatics analysis of both protein and DNA sequences belonging to a diverse set of animal and plant species was performed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the similarities and differences in lipid metabolism in plant and animal systems with an emphasis on patatin-domain containing proteins. The comparative biology of patatin-like proteins in plants and animals will provide novel insights in the role of intracellular lipid metabolism and its impact on basic cellular processes that impact normal metabolism and disease in both the kingdoms.

Biography

Email: mkbasantani@gmail.com