Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
07:20
Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy
Published on: January 31, 2025
1.0K
Lipid droplets: platforms with multiple functions in cancer hallmarks
André L S Cruz1,2, Ester de A Barreto1, Narayana P B Fazolini1
1Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cell Death & Disease
|February 8, 2020
Summary
Lipid droplets are key in cell functions and inflammation. Their accumulation in cancer suggests roles in malignancy, offering potential as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipid droplets (lipid bodies) are cytoplasmic organelles vital for cell signaling, metabolism, and inflammation.
- Their accumulation is observed in inflammatory conditions and increasingly in neoplastic processes.
- The direct role of lipid droplet accumulation in malignancy establishment remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on lipid droplet biogenesis, composition, and functions.
- To explore the relationship between lipid droplets and cancer hallmarks (inflammation, metabolism, proliferation, cell death evasion, hypoxia).
- To discuss the potential of lipid droplets as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lipid droplets and cancer.
- Analysis of evidence linking lipid droplet functions to cancer hallmarks.
- Discussion of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting lipid droplets.
Main Results:
- Lipid droplets are implicated in key cancer hallmarks including inflammation, altered cell metabolism, proliferation, and resistance to cell death.
- Evidence suggests lipid droplet accumulation is associated with various malignancies.
- Lipid droplets present potential as diagnostic markers and targets for novel therapies.
Conclusions:
- Lipid droplet accumulation is linked to cancer development and progression.
- Targeting lipid droplets may offer new avenues for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatments.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of lipid droplets in malignancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Membrane Domains
6.9K
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.
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the...
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the...
6.9K
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
3.1K
Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However,...
3.1K
01:28Types of Membrane Protrusions
3.5K
The protrusion of the cell surface is an initial step for several cellular processes, including cell migration, phagocytosis, and neurite outgrowth. These membrane protrusions are a result of cytoskeletal rearrangement. The most widely observed cell protrusions include lamellipodia, pseudopodia, filopodia, microvilli, invadopodia, and podosomes. These protrusions can be of two types — static or dynamic.
The microvilli, an example of stable protrusions, are finger-like projections...
The microvilli, an example of stable protrusions, are finger-like projections...
3.5K
01:26Membrane Fluidity
14.2K
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...
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...
14.2K
01:32Lipids as Anchors
7.0K
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...
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
7.0K
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
6.1K
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
6.1K