From the physics to the cell biology of lipid droplets
| When |
Feb 10, 2025
from 11:00 to 12:00 |
|---|---|
| Where | Salle des Thèses |
| Contact Name | Mokhtar Adda-Bedia |
| Attendees |
Abdou Rachid Thiam |
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Lipid droplets are tiny structures inside cells that act as storage containers for fats. These fats, or lipids, serve as a backup energy source and help the cell manage fluctuations in energy needs. Lipids are created and processed in a part of the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Since lipids don’t mix with water, they naturally gather between the two layers of the ER membrane. When enough lipids build up, they clump together to form small droplets, which eventually grow larger and separate from the ER to become fully formed lipid droplets. This process happens in two main steps: first, the droplets begin to form, i.e., nucleation, then bud off toward one specific direction and keep growing bigger. Both steps rely on specific proteins, fats, and the structure of the membrane itself. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to problems in the cell, contributing to serious metabolic diseases. In my talk, I will share our past and current discoveries about how cells capitalize on fundamental physical principles to control the formation and growth of these lipid droplets.