# Self-regulation of Lipases by Changes to Quaternary Structure

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2022 · $97,780

## Abstract

Abstract
Lipases are a key regulator of metabolic equilibrium in the human body. Examples of conditions in which lipases
are dysregulated include pancreatitis, metabolic syndrome, and lipid storages diseases. One of the hallmarks of
pancreatitis is the secretion of digestive enzymes, such as pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PTL), into the
capillaries, rather than the digestive tract, which damages pancreatic cells. Thus, there is a clear need for precise
spatiotemporal regulation of lipase activity in the body. In recent work, we found that lipoprotein lipase (LPL)
adopts an inactive helical oligomer for storage in adipocyte vesicles prior to secretion. Lipases, like LPL, have a
special need for mechanisms of self-regulation, as many possess phospholipase activity, making it difficult to
store them in phospholipid-based vesicles. It is likely that other lipases beyond LPL self-regulate by quaternary
structure formation to protect the delicate balance of metabolism in the body.
In Aim 1, I will elucidate the in situ structure of inactive oligomers of LPL. I will train to use cryo-electron
tomography (cryoET) to study LPL structure inside of vesicles. I will also develop a conformation-specific
nanobody to discriminate between helical LPL and monomer LPL for use with immunofluorescence microscopy.
I will launch my independent R00 research phase by investigating PTL in Aim 2. Preliminary data suggests that
PTL forms filaments inside of vesicles and I will screen PTL in vitro for the ability to form inactive self-regulated
oligomers and solve their structure using cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM). I will then apply the pipeline of
cryoET and nanobodies developed for studying LPL in vivo, to look at PTL. Finally in Aim 3, I will use pancreatic
acinar cells to examine the secretome of the pancreas with and without an acute pancreatitis phenotype. I will
look specifically for enzymes stored in inactive quaternary structures and characterize the role played by
heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in secretion. HSPGs have been shown to stabilize LPL filaments and
are top candidates for targeting self-regulated filaments into secretory granules. This research will provide crucial
information about the structure of lipases in vesicles during cellular trafficking and identify innovative ways to
address dysregulation of enzyme secretion associated with pancreatitis.
The skills I acquire using cryoET, developing nanobodies, performing immunofluorescence microscopy, and
learning about the pancreas will be essential for setting up my success as an independent researcher. They will
allow me to pursue pioneering studies of in situ lipase quaternary structure and uncover mechanisms to prevent
dysregulation of enzyme secretion during pancreatitis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10429286
- **Project number:** 1K99GM146024-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathryn Harris Gunn
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $97,780
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10429286

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10429286, Self-regulation of Lipases by Changes to Quaternary Structure (1K99GM146024-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10429286. Licensed CC0.

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