Kelli A. Lytle, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

The research of Kelli A. Lytle, Ph.D., focuses on the structure, function and metabolism of human adipose tissue. Dr. Lytle 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 studies how body fat functions under different conditions. Disruptions in body fat tissue play a key role in several metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Understanding how cells change and function in fat tissue is key to finding better ways to prevent and treat these conditions. Dr. Lytle's research lays the foundation for future therapies that target body fat tissue dysfunction.