Regulation of intracellular lipid storage and utilization

Abstract Cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs) are major metabolic hubs in most cell types. These dynamic organelles regulate multiple aspects of cellular lipid homeostasis, including lipid storage and utilization, protecting from lipotoxicity, and lipid signaling. CLDs in specific cell types serve distinct roles depending on the physiological function of the tissue in regulating cellular and systemic lipid and energy homeostasis. Therefore, an imbalance in the storage or utilization of lipid in CLDs in major metabolic tissues can contribute to diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Type II diabetes, and obesity. The regulation of intracellular lipid storage and utilization is thereby essential to prevent abnormal cellular and systemic lipid levels and its associated pathological consequences.