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Eric Yen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests center around understanding the mechanisms of intestinal lipid processing and its modulation of systemic metabolism. Dr. Yen’s current focus is on the metabolic effects of the interplay between diet, host, and gut microbiota. His research examines the physiological functions of intestinal enzymes involved in the storage and use of fatty acids in health and disease. A significant discovery from Dr. Yen’s work involves the enzyme acyl CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2), which mediates fat absorption in the intestine and regulates whole-body energy expenditure. His studies on mice with functional MGAT2 genes (Mogat2–/–) revealed that these mice exhibit delayed fat absorption and resistance to diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders. Interestingly, his findings suggest that Mogat2–/– mice are protected from pancreatic beta-cell toxins, indicating that MGAT2 inhibition may help prevent diabetes. Additionally, his research has shown that intestine-specific MGAT2 knockout mice have increased plasma bile acid levels and altered compositions, suggesting a novel circuit for MGAT2-mediated lipid processing and its implications for pancreatic beta-cell function and systemic energy balance.
Department: Department of Computer Sciences