Lipid droplet and its implication in cancer progression.

Abstract

Lipid droplets (LDs) are a kind of organelle that is commonly found in eukaryotic cells to store lipids, which encompass a hydrophobic core composed of a single layer of phospholipids and neutral lipids (mainly including triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol ester (CE)) as well as a small amount of proteins. LD accumulation is gradually recognized as a prominent characteristic in a variety of cancers and attracts increasing attention on this field. In this article, we not only summarize the composition, synthesis and decomposition of LD, but also highlight its role in carcinogenesis and malignant development of cancers.