Optogenetic perturbation of lipid droplet localization affects lipid metabolism and development in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles crucial for lipid storage and homeostasis. Despite extensive documentation of their importance, the causal relationship between LD localization and function in health and disease remains inadequately understood. Here, we developed optogenetics-based tools, termed "Opto-LDs," which facilitate the interaction between LDs and motor proteins in a light-dependent manner, enabling precise control of LD localization within cells. Utilizing these optogenetic modules, we demonstrated that light-induced relocation of LDs to the periphery of hepatocytes results in elevated very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, recapturing the beneficial effect of insulin in vitro. Furthermore, our studies in transgenic Drosophila revealed that proper LD localizatio

SUBMITTER: Deng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302289 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature