The Regulation of Triglyceride and Glycogen Storage by Glucose Transporter 1 ( ) in Fat Tissue

Obesity reflects an imbalance in nutrient storage resulting in excess fat accumulation. The molecules that tissues use to regulate nutrient storage are not well understood. A previously published genetic screen using larvae identified , a transmembrane glucose transporter, as a potential obesity gene. To identify the adipose-specific functions of this gene, levels were decreased using RNAi targeted to fly fat tissue. Adult flies have lower glycogen and triglyceride levels, as well as decreased RNA expression. This suggests that functions to promote glycogen and triglyceride storage and fatty acid synthesis in adipose tissue.