Lipid droplets: a classic organelle with new outfits

  • Histochem Cell Biol. 2008 Aug;130(2):263-79. doi: 10.1007/s00418-008-0449-0.
Toyoshi Fujimoto  1 ,  Yuki Ohsaki ,  Jinglei Cheng ,  Michitaka Suzuki ,  Yuki Shinohara
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan. [email protected]
PMID: 18546013 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-008-0449-0
Abstract

Lipid droplets are depots of neutral Lipids that exist virtually in any kind of cell. Recent studies have revealed that the lipid droplet is not a mere lipid blob, but a major contributor not only to lipid homeostasis but also to diverse cellular functions. Because of the unique structure as well as the functional importance in relation to Obesity, steatosis, and other prevailing diseases, the lipid droplet is now reborn as a brand new organelle, attracting interests from researchers of many disciplines.