Research Department: Molecular Genetics Graduation Date: May 2020
Abstract: Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) is a lipid droplet (LD) protein that is highly expressed in liver. Genetic variant PNPLA3(148M) is strongly associated with fatty liver disease, but the reason for this association is not known. PNPLA3 is a homolog of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the major lipase in liver involved in hydrolysis of LDs. Like ATGL, PNPLA3 has lipase activity in vitro that is impaired by the I148M variant. To determine the effect of PNPLA3(148M) on the localization and activity of the enzyme in cells, we generated tagged versions of PNPLA3. PNPLA3 was shown to be activated only when fused at the N-terminus with mCherry, altering the number and size of LDs. This observation raises the possibility that a protein that binds to the N-terminus of PNPLA3 in vivomay activate the enzyme, thus promoting triglyceride hydrolysis and that PNPLA3(148M) causes fatty liver by interfering with this activity.
What Does Reserach Mean To You? Research is being a part of the continual collaborative effort of scientists then, now, and to come to understand the nature of the world. Fueled by questions, research requires hard work, resilience and lots of knowledge to make new discoveries. As a student, research gives the ultimate opportunity to understand how our classwork pertains to the real world and how we can utilize our knowledge to seek answers.
Tell Us About Your Journey The Green Fellowship has been such a unique experience and I am so thankful to have participated in it. My previous research experience with Dr. Liu had given me a basic understanding of techniques commonly used in labs but it wasn’t until Green Fellows that I began to truly grasp how those techniques are utilized to answer specific questions. Along with academic growth, I gained invaluable insight on the day-to-day challenges researchers encounter and the importance of having a supportive community as you face those problems. It has also given me the opportunity to surround myself with friends who share the same passion for science and learning. The differences I saw between my UTD and UTSW labs have helped me realize the qualities I should look for in the future labs and helped me appreciate the pros and cons of a university setting versus that of a medical center. Through the numerous lectures and amazing mentors, this fellowship has greatly encouraged me to pursue a Phd in Genetics and work in biomedical research.
Advice for Future Green Fellows
Stepping into the face-paced environment of UT Southwestern isn’t easy but it can be a lot less stressful if you have the constant support of your other Green Fellows. It won’t always be convenient but taking the time to really get to know your fellows is so rewarding and worth it. (I love my Green Fellows!) Go to the seminars and lectures for free knowledge and free food. Do take the DART, its free, saves gas money and prevents road rage. Don’t take the DART after dark and don’t talk to crazy people. Hopefully, if you make one or both of these mistakes you’ll have your trusty fellows to watch out for you.