Figure 1

Cartoon model of lipolysis. Under basal conditions perilipin is localized to the lipid droplet, along with other droplet associated proteins, such as ATGL (adipose triglyceride lipase), whereas HSL is primarily localized in the cytosol along with other cytosolic proteins such as FABP (fatty acid binding protein). Following lipolytic stimulation, PKA is activated, resulting in the phosphorylation of perilipin and HSL. This is associated with the translocation of HSL from the cytosol to the lipid droplet where hydrolysis of the triacylglycerol lipid droplet occurs.