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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER01:28

Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER

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Biological membranes are more than just a barrier separating cell cytoplasm from the outside environment. They are highly dynamic and help maintain the integrity and physiological stability of the cells as well as membrane-bound organelles. Membranes also play vital roles in cell-to-cell and intracellular communication.
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
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Membrane Fluidity01:26

Membrane Fluidity

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Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is...
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Lipids as Anchors01:32

Lipids as Anchors

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In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
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Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

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Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
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Lipid Catabolism01:25

Lipid Catabolism

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Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
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Membrane Domains01:18

Membrane Domains

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The membrane domains concentrate specific lipids and proteins at one place within the membrane, which helps in cell signaling, adhesion, and other critical cellular processes. These domains can differ in size, composition, function, and lifespan.
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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis
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Expanding roles for lipid droplets.

Michael A Welte1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Rochester, RC Box 270211, 317 Hutchison Hall, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|June 3, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Lipid droplets, crucial for energy and metabolism, have diverse roles beyond fat storage. Emerging research reveals their involvement in nuclear functions, cell signaling, immunity, and neurodegeneration, expanding our understanding of cellular processes.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Lipid droplets are intracellular organelles primarily known for neutral lipid storage.
  • Their roles in energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism are well-established.
  • Dysfunction of lipid droplets is implicated in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the expanding repertoire of lipid droplet functions beyond their canonical role in lipid storage.
  • To highlight novel functions in nuclear processes, intercellular communication, immunity, and the nervous system.
  • To underscore the significance of understanding lipid droplet biology in disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
  • Analysis of evidence linking lipid droplets to diverse cellular and physiological processes.

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  • Integration of data from cell biology, biochemistry, and disease studies.

    • Main Results:

    • Lipid droplets participate in nuclear functions by sequestering transcription factors and generating nuclear receptor ligands.
    • They serve as key hubs for intracellular and intercellular fatty acid trafficking.
    • Novel roles in immunity include acting as viral assembly platforms and pathogen-fighting protein reservoirs.
    • Emerging links connect lipid droplets to neurodegenerative diseases like hereditary spastic paraplegia and neuronal damage.

    Conclusions:

    • Lipid droplet biology is far more complex than previously understood, with implications across multiple biological fields.
    • Further research into the cell biology and biochemistry of lipid droplets will uncover new mechanistic insights into their diverse functions.
    • Understanding these novel roles is critical for developing therapeutic strategies for a range of diseases.