Lipid droplets: a unified view of a dynamic organelle

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2006 May;7(5):373-8. doi: 10.1038/nrm1912.

Abstract

Lipid droplets form the main lipid store in eukaryotic cells. Although all cells seem to be able to generate lipid droplets, their biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms and interactions with other organelles remain largely elusive. In this article, we outline some of the recent developments in lipid droplet cell biology. We show the mobile and dynamic nature of this organelle, and advocate the adoption of a unified nomenclature to consolidate terminology in this emerging field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Caveolins / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism*
  • Lipolysis
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Organelles / metabolism*

Substances

  • Caveolins
  • Membrane Proteins