Nvj3 regulates Dga1-mediated triacylglycerol synthesis and lipid droplet formation at ER contact sites.

ABSTRACT: Lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis is essential for lipid homeostasis during nutrient stress, yet how lipid intermediates are spatially organized to support efficient triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis remains unclear. Here, we identify Nvj3 as a nutrient-responsive regulator that links diacylglycerol (DAG) availability to TAG synthesis and LD formation at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Nvj3 is induced by glucose depletion and recruited to LD-associated ER domains. Loss of Nvj3 causes neutral lipid accumulation under steady state conditions but delays TAG synthesis under acute inducible metabolic transitions. Using controlled TAG induction systems, we show that Nvj3 is required to couple Dga1-dependent TAG synthesis to LD formation. In the absence of Nvj3, TAG accumulates but remains inefficientl

SUBMITTER: Adebayo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803121 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature