Most mammalian cells accumulate lipids for both intracellular structural need or for energetic needs. However certain cell types specialize in lipid accumulation for functional reasons, such as adipocytes and sebocytes. Adipocytes store lipids and serve as the body's energy reserve, with various secondary effects of the stored adipose lipids such as thermal insulation and added protection to the body. Sebocytes store lipids to use in the manufacture of sebum, an oily substances which is released onto the skin for protective purposes. While the lipid accumulation in adipocytes and sebocytes is intended for beneficial effects to the body, sometimes adipocyte lipid accumulation and sebocyte sebum production can become excessive and have a deleterious effect instead. Therefore materials which can promote lipid release from adipocytes or prevent lipid accumulation in sebocytes can have beneficial effects. Our laboratory has the testing capability to address both of these issues.
Testing Models
- Cultured human subcutaneous adipocytes- lipolysis assay (glyceraldehyde or FFA end points)
- Cultured human sebocyte- lipid accumulation assay
Please note that only the typical targets are listed. If there are other lipid metabolism end points that your company has an interest in please let us know and we can accommodate you. Please contact us for specific pricing and study timing.