FIG. 8.

Schematic representation of the proposed model of GDNF action in hepatocytes involving enhancement of lipophagy and fatty acid β-oxidation following lipid challenge. In response to increased triglyceride accumulation in the form of lipid droplets within the hepatocyte, GDNF enhances the formation of the autophagosome which grows to enclose the lipid droplet. Fusion of the autophagosome to lysosomes results in the release of lytic enzymes which breakdown the lipid droplet into free fatty acids. The autophagosome wall breaks down to release the free fatty acids into the cytoplasm from where they enter mitochondria and undergo β-oxidation.