The lipid droplet: A conserved cellular organelle

Protein Cell. 2017 Nov;8(11):796-800. doi: 10.1007/s13238-017-0467-6. Epub 2017 Sep 14.

Abstract

The lipid droplet (LD) is a unique multi-functional organelle that contains a neutral lipid core covered with a phospholipid monolayer membrane. The LDs have been found in almost all organisms from bacteria to humans with similar shape. Several conserved functions of LDs have been revealed by recent studies, including lipid metabolism and trafficking, as well as nucleic acid binding and protection. We summarized these findings and proposed a hypothesis that the LD is a conserved organelle.

Keywords: conserved organelle; lipid droplet; lipid metabolism; nucleic acid handling.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bacteria / ultrastructure
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Cholesterol Esters / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipid Droplets / chemistry
  • Lipid Droplets / metabolism*
  • Lipid Droplets / ultrastructure
  • Lipid Metabolism / genetics*
  • Nucleic Acids / metabolism*
  • Peptide Initiation Factors / chemistry
  • Peptide Initiation Factors / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Ribosome Subunits / chemistry
  • Ribosome Subunits / metabolism
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Cholesterol Esters
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Peptide Initiation Factors
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Triglycerides