Influence of PLIN5 and lipid composition on lipid droplet contact sites with other organelles
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Lipid droplets (LDs) play an important role in cellular energy storage and supplying components for the structure of organelle membranes. As the biology of lipid droplets relies on close coordination and communication with other cellular organelles, studying their interactions is crucial. The role of the protein perilipin 5 (PLIN5), known to mediate the regulation of LD dynamics and metabolism in cells, is of particular interest. To investigate the impact of PLIN5 on the formation of contact sites between LDs and a bilayer, LDs composed of triolein and surrounded by a DOPE or DOPC monolayer with or without PLIN5 are brought in contact with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) composed of a DOPC and DOPE mixture close to the ER membrane composition. To detect different contact interactions of the LUVs with the monolayer coating the LDs, the LUVs were double fluorescence labeled, on the one hand, with a rhodamine-labeled phospholipid in the bilayer and, on the other hand, with water-soluble Cy5-labeled dextran in the core. When spots with both fluorescence dyes are observed on the surface of the LDs, the LUVs stay in contact with the LDs and protein tethers can be assumed to have formed between LUVs and LDs. When instead a uniform colored 'rhodamine signal' appears on the surface of the LDs, the fluorescent phospholipid of the LUVs merged with LDs monolayer. Our study investigates the influence of lipid composition and protein interactions on the formation of lipid bridges and protein tethers between LDs and the membranes of other organelles.
Authors: Mahsa Mohammadian, Shima Asfia, Ralf Seemann
Institution: Saarland University
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,700
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Award: G2637305634
OpenAlex ID: W4417124705