Robert V. Farese, Jr., MD
Research Interests
How do cells synthesize, store, and utilize neutral lipids?
Most cells store neutral lipids, such as triglycerides and sterol esters, in cytosolic organelles called lipid droplets. Once thought to be inert, lipid droplets are clearly dynamic organelles that store lipids for energy and membranes, transport lipids within cells, and even serve as centers of replication for intracellular microorganisms. Despite their importance, little is known about their biology. In the past year, using a genome-wide screen in Drosophila cells, we identified many genes involved in the formation and function of lipid droplets. We have begun to study the role of these genes in cells and flies in order to unravel some of the fundamental mechanisms of lipid droplet formation and utilization. Our approaches emphasize biochemistry and cellular biology and test specific hypotheses in model organisms, such as yeast, flies and mice.
The lipids found within droplets are synthesized by lipid acyl transferase enzymes . We study the biochemical, cell biological, and physiological functions of the enzymes that synthesize triglycerides (DGATs), sterol esters (ACATs), and diacylglycerols (MGATs). We are particularly interested in the relationship of these enzymes to lipid droplet biogenesis.
Selected Publications
- Monetti M, Levin M, Watt MJ, Sajan MP, Marmor S, Hubbard BK, Stevens RD, Bain JR, Newgard CB, Farese RV, Sr, Hevener A, Farese RV, Jr. Dissociation of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice overexpressing DGAT in the liver. Cell Metab 2007;6:69-78.
- Guo Y, Walther TC, Rao M, Stuurman N, Goshima G, Terayama K, Wong JS, Vale RD, Walter P, Farese RV, Jr. Functional genomic screen reveals genes involved in lipid droplet formation and utilization. Nature 2008;453:657-661.
- Minehira K, Young SG, Villanueva CJ, Yetukuri L, Oresic M, Hellerstein MK, Farese RV Jr, Horton JD, Preitner F, Thorens B, Tappy L. Blocking VLDL secretion causes hepatic steatosis but does not affect peripheral lipid stores or insulin sensitivity in mice. J Lipid Res. 2008, 49:2038-44
- Walther, T., Farese, Jr., R.V. The Life of Lipid Droplets. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2009, 1791:459-66.
Professor
Medicine (Endocrinology and Metabolism), Biochemistry & Biophysics
Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease
Research Theme
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Lipid Metabolism
Contact Information
- bfarese@
gladstone.ucsf.edu - Phone: (415) 734-2000
- Fax: (415) 285-5632
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease
- Box 1230 ,
1650 Owens Street
San Francisco, CA 94158-2261
Other UCSF Affiliations
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease
- BMS graduate program