Not just fat: the structure and function of the lipid droplet

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011 Mar 1;3(3):a004838. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a004838.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / chemistry*
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles / chemistry*
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles / ultrastructure
  • Esters
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism Disorders / metabolism*
  • Lipid Metabolism*
  • Lipid-Linked Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lipids / analysis
  • Lipids / physiology*
  • Motor Neuron Disease / metabolism*

Substances

  • Esters
  • Lipid-Linked Proteins
  • Lipids