Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a set of genes that are involved in lipid-droplet formation and regulation. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of increasing or decreasing lipid concentrations in eukaryotic cells by decreasing or increasing expression of one of these genes. Increased lipid concentrations may be useful, for example, in the generation of biofuels. Decreased lipid concentration may be useful in the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying markers of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating carbohydrate metabolism in a host are provided. In the subject methods, diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity (specifically DGAT1 activity) is modulated, e.g., reduced or enhanced, to achieve a desired insulin and/or leptin sensitivity, thereby modulating carbohydrate metabolism, e.g., increasing or decreasing blood glucose levels, glucose uptake into cells and assimilation into glycogen. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of hosts suffering conditions associated with abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, such as obesity or diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a set of genes that are involved in lipid-droplet formation and regulation. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of increasing or decreasing lipid concentrations in eukaryotic cells by decreasing or increasing expression of one of these genes. Increased lipid concentrations may be useful, for example, in the generation of biofuels. Decreased lipid concentration may be useful in the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying markers of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel ACAT proteins, as well as the novel ACAT-2 proteins, (ACAT-2) are provided. Also provided are methods of producing the subject nucleic acid and protein compositions. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies for disease conditions associated with ACAT-2 activity, e.g., in the treatment of gall stones.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase and/or monoacylglycerol acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby, i.e., mammalian DGAT2? and MGAT1 polypeptide products, and methods for producing the same, are provided. Also provided are: methods and compositions for modulating DGAT2? and MGAT1 activity; DGAT2? and MGAT1 transgenic cells, animals and plants, as well as methods for their preparation; and methods for making diglyceride, diglyceride compositions, triglycerides and triglyceride compositions, as well as the compositions produced by these methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including research, medicine, agriculture and industry applications.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel ACAT proteins, as well as the novel ACAT-2 proteins, (ACAT-2) are provided. Also provided are methods of producing the subject nucleic acid and protein compositions. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies for disease conditions associated with ACAT-2 activity, e.g., in the treatment of gall stones.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel ACAT proteins, as well as the novel ACAT-2 proteins, (ACAT-2) are provided. Also provided are methods of producing the subject nucleic acid and protein compositions. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies for disease conditions associated with ACAT-2 activity.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.