Arf1/COPI machinery acts directly on lipid droplets and enables their connection to the ER for protein targeting

摘要: Just like the body contains organs that perform different jobs, cells within contain organelles carry out tasks. The endoplasmic reticulum, for example, makes proteins are sent to other or destinations outside cell. Each organelle is typically sealed a membrane made from double layer of phospholipids—molecules have phosphate ‘head’ group at one end, and two fatty acid ‘tails’ other. Proteins shuttled between inside membrane-bound packages called vesicles. There is, however, an exception this rule. Lipid droplets store fats oils single phospholipids. This can include enzymes break down contents droplet, make new fat molecules, depending on needs cell organism. However, it not clear how these get reticulum lipid droplet. Previous work had suggested protein complex Arf1/COP—which also involved in movement vesicles around cell—might recruit droplets. none known be vesicle transport were needed droplets, which Arf1/COPI was using previously unknown mechanism move enzymes. Now Wilfling, Thiam et al. shown complexes trigger establishment bridges means enyzmes It could pinch off tiny full-size taken living cells. suggest ‘budding’ process changes composition phospholipid larger droplet way allows interact directly with reticulum. By providing insights into trafficking organelles, reveals mechanisms govern In future, pathways manipulated treat conditions result excessive storage fat, such as obesity cardiovascular diseases.