To persist in uncertain environments, cells store excess energy as lipids in unusual organelles called lipid droplets (LDs). Ignored for decades as inert fat globules, LDs are now appreciated as specialized platforms for metabolic reactions, with key roles in cellular energetics, lipid homeostasis, stress response, signaling, and development. I will discuss how LD spatial positioning and organization within cells also influences LD function.

Secondly, I will discuss how sterol-ester lipid phase transitions within LDs can influence the
LD surface proteome, ultimately enabling LDs to adapt to specific metabolic cues.

Finally, I will discuss how inter-organelle contact sites can act as “metabolic platforms” that fine-tune metabolic pathways during nutrient stresses. I will also discuss our work examining how inter-organelle contact sites in yeast play roles in cellular decision-making
and fate.

Host: Ming Li