Work

Not Just Fat: The Structure and Function of the Lipid Droplet

Year: 2011

Type: preprint

Abstract: Lipid droplets (LDs) are independent organelles that are composed of a lipid ester core and a surface phospholipid monolayer. Recent studies have revealed many new proteins, functions, and phenomena associated with LDs. In addition, a number of diseases related to LDs are beginning to be understood at the molecular level. It is now clear that LDs are not an inert store of excess lipids but are dynamically engaged in various cellular functions, some of which are not directly related to lipid metabolism. Compared to conventional membrane organelles, there are still many uncertainties concerning the molecular architecture of LDs and how each function is placed in a structural context. Recent findings and remaining questions are discussed.

Source: Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a004838

Authors: T. Fujimoto, R. G. Parton

Institutions: Nagoya University, The University of Queensland, Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Language: English

Topic: Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze