Adipocytes play a key role in the maintenance of metabolic health. Both excesses and deficiencies in adipose tissue led to metabolic diseases including insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutrient storage by adipocyte is just one of their critical functions. In contexts such as exercise, fasting and cold exposure these stored nutrients are mobilize by lipolysis to provide vital fuel. Interestingly, free fatty acids released by lipolysis drive oxidative metabolism in adipocytes promoting energy expenditure. Current work in the Reilly lab is focused on understanding the molecular pathways regulating signaling and metabolism in lipolytic adipocytes.
Working to uncover the signaling pathways regulating adipocyte metabolism and the role they play in whole organism energy balance and metabolic health.
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The Lab Team
The Reilly lab welcomes diverse, talented individuals with an enthusiasm for scientific discovery to join our friendly research group.
Our Research
Our work is focused on understanding the molecular pathways regulating signaling and metabolism in lipolytic adipocytes.