Dr. Yusuf Hannun, professor of biochemistry and associate director of research at Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC, discusses his research in lipid metabolism and its mechanisms and function. He explains that while lipids are most commonly associated with obesity and obesity issues, in fact many lipid molecules within the cells can serve important regulatory functions. Dr. Hannun is also working to better understand the role certain lipid molecules can play in the evolution of conditions like cancer and diabetes.