Robert N. Helsley, PhD

Focus of the laboratory

The Helsley Lab is primarily focused elucidating mechanisms by which perturbations in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation contribute to obesity and associated disorders, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. 

Current ongoing projects in the lab

• Role of fatty acid oxidation in spatial lipid droplet deposition in the liver
• Role of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a) in hyperlipidemia and atherogenesis
• Role of Cpt1a in hepatocellular carcinoma
• Role of adipocyte Cpt1a in obesity