Transportation Mechanism of Perilipin 5 into the Nucleus

Author

Tatum L. PoultonFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-8-2025

Document Type

Honors Paper

Degree Name

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-BS

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Advisor

Dr. John Tansey

First Committee Member

Dr. John Tansey

Second Committee Member

Dr. Brandon Sinn

Third Committee Member

Dr. Meredith Meyer

Keywords

Perilipin, Protein, Lipid, Nucleus, Importin

Subject Categories

Biochemistry | Higher Education | Molecular Biology

Abstract

Diseases caused by excess lipid content in the body continue to increase in prevalence in recent years. Type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are particularly harmful to the body. Lipids are stored in structures called lipid storage droplets that consist of a monolayer of phospholipids that surround pools of triglyceride molecules. Perilipin proteins are associated with the metabolism of lipid molecules and tend to localize on the outside of these lipid droplets. Perilipin 5, plays a large role in lipolysis of liver, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues. To do this, perilipin 5 migrates to the nucleus of the cell after being activated by protein kinase A (PKA). The mechanism of which perilipin 5 uses to enter the nucleus is largely unknown. Understanding this nuclear transportation mechanism could potentially lead to lipolysis regulation treatments for individuals with excess lipid content and minimize the likelihood of lipid related disease. Drugs such as mifepristone and ivermectin have been shown to inhibit importin, an important molecule in cellular protein migration (Lundberg et al., 2013). To probe the mechanism utilized by perilipin 5, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were treated with differing combinations of nuclear transportation inhibitors mifepristone and ivermectin, and activation compounds Forskolin and 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Immunofluorescence was then conducted to monitor the presence of perilipin 5 around the nucleus. Results of these treatments were found to be inconclusive. It is currently unknown whether mifepristone and ivermectin successfully inhibit nuclear transportation of perilipin 5.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

Poulton, Tatum L., "Transportation Mechanism of Perilipin 5 into the Nucleus" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects. 189.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_honor/189

Acknowledgement 1

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Acknowledgement 2

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