Lipid cycling as a signal in pancreatic β‐cells

Maintenance of body temperature is achieved partly by modulating lipolysis by a network of complex regulatory mechanisms. Lipolysis is an integral part of the glycerolipid/free fatty acid (GL/FFA) cycle, which is the focus of this presentation. GL/FFA cycle is referred to as a “futile” cycle as it involves continuous formation and hydrolysis of GL with the release of heat, at the expense of ATP. However, we will present evidence underscoring the “vital” cellular signaling roles of the GL/FFA cycle for many biological processes with a focus on the coupling mechanisms of glucose stimulated insulin secretion in health, obesity and diabetes.