Spatial compartmentalization of lipid droplet biogenesis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous organelles that store metabolic energy in the form of neutral lipids (typically triacylglycerols and steryl esters). Beyond being inert energy storage compartments, LDs are dynamic organelles that participate in numerous essential metabolic functions. Cells generate LDs de novo from distinct sub-regions at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but what determines sites of LD formation remains a key unanswered question. Here, we review the factors that determine LD formation at the ER, and discuss how they work together to spatially and temporally coordinate LD biogenesis. These factors include lipid synthesis enzymes, assembly proteins, and membrane structural requirements. LDs also make contact with other organelles, and these inter-organelle contacts contribute to defining sites of LD production. Finally, we highlight emerging non-canonical roles for LDs in maintaining cellular homeostasis during stress.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number158499
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids
Volume1865
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Keywords

  • Endoplasmic reticulum
  • Fatty acid
  • Lipid droplet
  • Lipotoxicity
  • Metabolon

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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