Lipid droplets: Open questions and conceptual advances around a unique organelle

2025/08/28 by W. Mike Henne, Emma Reynolds, William A. Prinz · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis #Adipose Tissue and Metabolism #Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis

paper · pdf · doi:10.1083/jcb.202406019

Abstract

Once viewed as mere lipid inclusions, the past four decades have witnessed an explosion of research into lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and function. Pioneering cell biology, biochemical, genetics, and lipidomic studies now reveal LDs as active players in lipid metabolism and cellular homeostasis. Here, we discuss some of the major findings that defined LDs as bona fide organelles. However, despite what is known, much needs to be discovered. We highlight five enduring questions that continue to challenge the LD field and discuss a few misconceptions about this remarkable organelle.

Cited by

• Lipid droplet dynamics in metabolic regulation. [europepmc]

Discussions

• A pleasure to write this short review on lipid droplets for @jcb.org together with Will Prinz and amazing artist Emma Reynolds! We discuss 5 pervasive questions surrounding these remarkable little l [bsky, 41 points, 0 comments]

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