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Review
. 2018 Apr;41(2):102-108.
doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2018.02.004.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor in lipid metabolic disorders

Kuang-Tzu Huang  1 , Chih-Che Lin  2 , Ming-Chao Tsai  3 , Kuang-Den Chen  4 , King-Wah Chiu  3
Affiliations
Review

Pigment epithelium-derived factor in lipid metabolic disorders

Kuang-Tzu Huang et al. Biomed J. 2018 Apr.

Abstract

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a secreted glycoprotein that has anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative, neurotrophic and immunomodulatory properties. PEDF has recently emerged as a critical metabolic regulatory protein since the discovery of its modulatory activities in the lipolytic pathway by binding to adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Despite being beneficial in maintaining the homeostasis of hepatic lipid accumulation, PEDF has been uncovered an unfavorable role associated with insulin resistance. The molecular events that connect these two apparent distinct observations have been controversial and remained largely unknown. Therefore in this short review, we attempt to summarize the current findings of PEDF regarding its lipid metabolic functions and provide perspectives in identifying PEDF as a potential therapeutic target in lipid disorders.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Adipose triglyceride lipase; Insulin resistance; Liver; Pigment epithelium-derived factor.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation displaying functional peptides and key amino acid residues of PEDF. The anti-angiogenic 34-mer, P18, and the neurotrophic 44-mer are marked. Phosphorylation sites, collagen and heparin binding sites are also indicated.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distinct functions of PEDF in lipid metabolic disorders. On one hand, PEDF exerts its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in maintaining the homeostasis of hepatic lipid accumulation. On the other hand, increased PEDF in adipose tissue has the potential to initiate a cascade of events that may eventually lead to insulin resistance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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