The liver is extremely active in oxidizing
triglycerides (TG) for energy production. An imbalance between TG synthesis and hydrolysis leads to metabolic disorders in the liver, including excessive
lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and ultimately liver damage. Adipose
triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the rate-limiting
enzyme that catalyzes the first step of TG breakdown to
glycerol and
fatty acids. Although its role in controlling
lipid homeostasis has been relatively well-studied in the adipose tissue, heart, and skeletal muscle, it remains largely unknown how and to what extent ATGL is regulated in the liver, responds to stimuli and regulators, and mediates
disease progression. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current understanding of the structure-function relationship of ATGL, the molecular mechanisms of ATGL regulation at translational and post-translational levels, and-most importantly-its role in
lipid and
glucose homeostasis in health and disease with a focus on the liver. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic
lipid accumulation are crucial to the development of targeted
therapies for treating hepatic metabolic disorders.