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Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis

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Published on: April 17, 2017

Cholesterol ester droplets and steroidogenesis.

Fredric B Kraemer¹, Victor K Khor, Wen-Jun Shen

¹VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. fbk@stanford.edu

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

|October 24, 2012

Summary

Vimentin is crucial for maintaining cholesterol ester-rich lipid droplets and facilitating cholesterol movement for steroid hormone production. Vimentin deficiency impairs steroidogenesis, particularly corticosterone and progesterone synthesis.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Endocrinology
Biochemistry

Background:

Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) are key organelles storing lipids.
Cholesteryl ester (CE)-rich LDs are vital for steroidogenesis, providing cholesterol.
Perilipin (Plin) proteins associate with LDs, but their specific roles are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of vimentin in maintaining CE-rich LDs.
To determine vimentin's function in cholesterol transport for steroidogenesis.

Main Methods:

Analysis of vimentin null mice.
Assessment of ACTH- and hCG-stimulated hormone levels.
Evaluation of cholesterol transport to mitochondria.
Microscopic examination of LDs.

Main Results:

Vimentin null mice showed reduced corticosterone and progesterone levels.
Male testosterone production was unaffected.
Smaller LDs were observed in vimentin-deficient cells.
Cholesterol movement to mitochondria was impaired.

Conclusions:

Vimentin plays a significant role in maintaining CE-rich LDs.
Vimentin is essential for efficient cholesterol transport required for steroidogenesis.