Target type: biologicalprocess
A process that results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts of a lipid droplet. [PMID:28011631]
Lipid droplet formation is a complex biological process essential for storing neutral lipids, primarily triglycerides and cholesterol esters, in various cell types. The process begins with the accumulation of lipids in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), specifically in regions enriched with enzymes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism. These lipid molecules, including fatty acids, glycerol, and cholesterol, are transported to the ER membrane where they are incorporated into the nascent lipid droplet.
The formation of lipid droplets is facilitated by a group of proteins collectively known as lipid droplet associated proteins (LDAPs). These proteins play crucial roles in regulating lipid droplet size, morphology, and function. One key LDAP, perilipin, coats the surface of the lipid droplet and acts as a scaffold for other proteins involved in lipid metabolism.
As lipid molecules accumulate within the ER membrane, they begin to form small, spherical structures called pre-lipid droplets. These pre-droplets then bud off from the ER membrane, forming independent lipid droplets surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. This monolayer is enriched with specific phospholipids and proteins that regulate lipid droplet stability and interactions with other cellular components.
Lipid droplet formation is tightly regulated by cellular signaling pathways and environmental cues. Hormones such as insulin and glucagon can influence lipid droplet formation and breakdown, ensuring efficient lipid storage and release. Additionally, nutritional status, cellular stress, and even temperature can impact this process.
The formation of lipid droplets is not just a simple storage mechanism. These droplets serve as dynamic organelles that participate in various cellular processes. They act as reservoirs of energy, providing a readily available source of fatty acids for cellular metabolism. Lipid droplets also play roles in membrane biogenesis, cholesterol transport, and even immune responses.
In summary, lipid droplet formation is a complex and tightly regulated process involving the accumulation of lipids within the ER, the formation of pre-lipid droplets, and the budding off of these droplets from the ER membrane. These droplets are crucial for cellular energy storage, membrane biogenesis, and other essential functions.'
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Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
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Cytosolic phospholipase A2 gamma | A cytosolic phospholipase A2 gamma that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UP65] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Squalene monooxygenase | A squalene monooxygenase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q14534] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
---|---|---|---|
amiodarone | amiodarone : A member of the class of 1-benzofurans that is 1-benzofuran substituted by a butyl group at position 2 and a 4-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]-3,5-diiodobenzoyl group at position 3. It is a cardiovascular drug used for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. Amiodarone: An antianginal and class III antiarrhythmic drug. It increases the duration of ventricular and atrial muscle action by inhibiting POTASSIUM CHANNELS and VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS. There is a resulting decrease in heart rate and in vascular resistance. | 1-benzofurans; aromatic ketone; organoiodine compound; tertiary amino compound | cardiovascular drug |
indomethacin | indometacin : A member of the class of indole-3-acetic acids that is indole-3-acetic acid in which the indole ring is substituted at positions 1, 2 and 5 by p-chlorobenzoyl, methyl, and methoxy groups, respectively. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, it is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal and joint disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis and tendinitis. Indomethacin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that inhibits CYCLOOXYGENASE, which is necessary for the formation of PROSTAGLANDINS and other AUTACOIDS. It also inhibits the motility of POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES. | aromatic ether; indole-3-acetic acids; monochlorobenzenes; N-acylindole | analgesic; drug metabolite; EC 1.14.99.1 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) inhibitor; environmental contaminant; gout suppressant; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; xenobiotic; xenobiotic metabolite |
arachidonic acid | arachidonate : A long-chain fatty acid anion resulting from the removal of a proton from the carboxy group of arachidonic acid. icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid : Any icosatetraenoic acid with the double bonds at positions 5, 8, 11 and 14. | icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid; long-chain fatty acid; omega-6 fatty acid | Daphnia galeata metabolite; EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor; human metabolite; mouse metabolite |
terbinafine | acetylenic compound; allylamine antifungal drug; enyne; naphthalenes; tertiary amine | EC 1.14.13.132 (squalene monooxygenase) inhibitor; P450 inhibitor; sterol biosynthesis inhibitor | |
arachidonyltrifluoromethane | AACOCF3 : A fatty acid derivative that is arachidonic acid in which the OH part of the carboxy group has been replaced by a trifluoromethyl group arachidonyltrifluoromethane: structure given in first source; inhibits 85-kDa phospholipase A2 | fatty acid derivative; ketone; olefinic compound; organofluorine compound | EC 3.1.1.4 (phospholipase A2) inhibitor |