Application of synthetic lipid droplets in metabolic diseases

BackgroundThe study and synthesis of membrane organelles are becoming increasingly important, not only as simplified cellular models for corresponding molecular and metabolic studies but also for applications in synthetic biology of artificial cells and drug delivery vehicles. Lipid droplets (LDs) are central organelles in cellular lipid metabolism and are involved in almost all metabolic processes. Multiple studies have also demonstrated a high correlation between LDs and metabolic diseases. During these processes, LDs reveal a highly dynamic character, with their lipid fraction, protein composition and subcellular localisation constantly changing in response to metabolic demands. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these functions have not been fully understood due to the limitations of cell biology approaches. Fortunately, developments in synthetic biology have provided a huge breakthrough for metabolism research, and methods for in vitro synthesis of LDs have been successfully established, with great advances in protein binding, lipid function, membrane dynamics and enzymatic reactions.Aims and methodsIn this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the assembly and function of endogenous LDs, from the generation of lipid molecules to how they are assembled into LDs in the endoplasmic reticulum. In particular, we highlight two major classes of synthetic LD models for fabrication techniques and their recent advances in biology and explore their roles and challenges in achieving real applications of artificial LDs in the future. 1. Lipid droplets are central organelles in lipid metabolism.2. Lipid droplets can be investigated by both in vivo labelling and in vitro reconstitution methods.3. Function of lipid droplets changes dynamically with cellular nutritional status.4. Synthetic lipid droplets are emerging as a new breakthrough in metabolic research.image

Automated summary

The study and synthesis of membrane organelles, particularly lipid droplets (LDs), are important for understanding molecular and metabolic processes and for applications in synthetic biology and drug delivery. LDs play a central role in cellular lipid metabolism and have been linked to metabolic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LD functions are not fully understood. Synthetic biology offers new approaches to investigate LDs and has provided significant advancements in protein binding, lipid function, membrane dynamics, and enzymatic reactions.