Research in the Mashek laboratory focuses on the relationship between lipid metabolism and the development of metabolic and aging-related diseases. A primary emphasis is on studies involving lipid droplet biology in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 Diabetes, cancer and aging. A major focus is on understanding how lipid droplets are catabolized and how they communicate within cells to influence cell function. We also conduct pre-clinical and clinical studies to determine how alterations in diet and dietary patterns (fasting, time-restricted feeding, etc.) and exercise alter metabolism to improve health.