Figure 6. A feed-forward model for dHNF4 in fatty acid β-oxidation.

In the absence of dietary nutrients, triglycerides (TAGs) are cleaved by lipases to yield long chain fatty acids (black circles). We propose that these fatty acids can directly or indirectly activate dHNF4 in the nucleus, inducing target gene transcription. The dHNF4 target genes encode lipases as well as enzymes and transporters that use fatty acids as a substrate for β-oxidation in the mitochondria, removing the activating signal for dHNF4 and maintaining energy homeostasis. See text for more details.