Kelli Lytle, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

The research of Kelli A. Lytle, Ph.D., revolves around the structure, function and metabolism of human adipose tissue. She conducts mechanistic clinical studies to understand this organ system and the dysregulation that occurs in obesity, aging and circadian rhythms.

Focus areas

• Regulation of fatty acid release from adipose tissue in obesity.
• Circadian regulation of adipose tissue function.
• Stimulation of regional lipolysis and adipocyte lipolysis proteins.
• Niacin regulation of regional adipose tissue lipolysis.
• Insulin regulation of regional lipolysis.
• Exercise stimulated muscle glucose uptake in upper body obesity.
• Intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking in insulin resistance states and the effects of intestinal delivery of lipids.
• Effects of niacin on intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking in upper body obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Long-term substantial weight loss and insulin regulation of lipolysis.
• Adipose tissue blood flow in aging.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Lytle's research studies the underlying basis for how adipose tissue functions under different conditions. Adipose tissue dysfunction is central to a number of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Understanding the molecular and cellular alterations that occur in this tissue is paramount for addressing these diseases. Dr. Lytle's research forms the basis for future therapies that target adipose tissue dysfunction.