Emerging Links between Lipid Droplets and Motor Neuron Diseases

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous fat storage organelles and play key roles in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis; in addition, they contribute to protein storage, folding, and degradation. However, a role for LDs in the nervous system remains largely unexplored. We discuss evidence supporting an intimate functional connection between LDs and motor neuron disease (MND) pathophysiology, examining how LD functions in systemic energy homeostasis, in neuron-glia metabolic coupling, and in protein folding and clearance may affect or contribute to disease pathology. An integrated understanding of LD biology and neurodegeneration may open the way for new therapeutic interventions.