Lipid droplet growth and adipocyte development: mechanistically distinct processes connected by phospholipids

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2017 Oct;1862(10 Pt B):1273-1283. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.06.016. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Abstract

The differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes is accompanied by the growth and formation of a giant, unilocular lipid droplet (LD). Mechanistically however, LD growth and adipogenesis are two different processes. Recent studies have uncovered a number of proteins that are able to regulate both LD dynamics and adipogenesis, such as SEIPIN, LIPIN and CDP-Diacylglycerol Synthases. It appears that phospholipids, phosphatidic acid in particular, play a critical role in both LD budding/growth and adipocyte development. This review summarizes recent advances, and aims to provide a better understanding of LD growth as well as adipogenesis, two critical aspects in mammalian fat storage. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent Advances in Lipid Droplet Biology edited by Rosalind Coleman and Matthijs Hesselink.

Keywords: AGPAT2; BSCL2; CDP-DAG synthase; Lipid droplets; Lipin; Lipodystrophy; Seipin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Diacylglycerol Cholinephosphotransferase / genetics
  • Diacylglycerol Cholinephosphotransferase / metabolism
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipid Droplets / metabolism*
  • Phospholipids / genetics
  • Phospholipids / metabolism*

Substances

  • BSCL2 protein, human
  • GTP-Binding Protein gamma Subunits
  • Phospholipids
  • Diacylglycerol Cholinephosphotransferase