# Project 2: Role of LPCAT3 in Adipose Remodeling and Metabolic Diseases

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · 2024 · $330,139

## Abstract

Project 2: Role of LPCAT3 in Adipose Remodeling
Mi-Jeong Lee, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, CTAHR
Higher mass of dysfunctional adipose tissues in obesity increases risk of metabolic diseases, a major public
health concern. Dietary factors are important regulators of adipose remodeling and systemic energy metabolism.
Lard-based high fat diets induce excessive remodeling of adipose tissues in animal models of obesity and
metabolic diseases. Depending on types of fat used, their effects on metabolic health vary and omega-3 poly-
unsaturated fatty acids enriched in fish oil have health benefits while saturated fatty acids impair insulin signaling
and induce proinflammatory responses. The objective of our work is to elucidate the molecular details and
mechanisms through which omega-3 vs. saturated fat exerts protective effects on adipose tissue function and
systemic metabolism. We will test a novel hypothesis that omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids lead to healthier
remodeling of adipose tissues through incorporation into membrane phospholipids altering membrane biology
and production of bioactive lipids. We will assess the importance of a phospholipid remodeling enzyme
lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT) 3, which preferentially add poly-unsaturated fatty acids into
membrane phospholipids, in mediating the beneficial effects of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The
proposed studies are expected to identify new strategies to improve adipose tissue function and hence, systemic
metabolic health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10782540
- **Project number:** 5P20GM139753-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- **Principal Investigator:** Mi Jeong Lee
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $330,139
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-03-20 → 2027-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10782540

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10782540, Project 2: Role of LPCAT3 in Adipose Remodeling and Metabolic Diseases (5P20GM139753-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10782540. Licensed CC0.

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