Lipid droplets, autophagy, and ageing: A cell-specific tale

Ageing Res Rev. 2024 Feb:94:102194. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102194. Epub 2024 Jan 11.

Abstract

Lipid droplets are the essential organelle for storing lipids in a cell. Within the variety of the human body, different cells store, utilize and release lipids in different ways, depending on their intrinsic function. However, these differences are not well characterized and, especially in the context of ageing, represent a key factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Whole body lipid homeostasis is a central interest in the field of cardiometabolic diseases. In this review we characterize lipid droplets and their utilization via autophagy and describe their diverse fate in three cells types central in cardiometabolic dysfunctions: adipocytes, hepatocytes, and macrophages.

Keywords: Ageing; Autophagy; Lipid droplets; Lipid metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Autophagy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipid Droplets* / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipids

Substances

  • Lipids