Lipid droplet growth and adipocyte development: mechanistically distinct processes connected by phospholipids

The differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes is accompanied by the growth and formation of a giant, unilocular lipid droplet (LD). Mechanistically however, LD growth and adipogenesis are two different processes. Recent studies have uncovered a number of proteins that are able to regulate both LD dynamics and adipogenesis, such as SEIPIN, LIPIN and CDP-Diacylglycerol Synthases. It appears that phospholipids, phosphatidic acid in particular, play a critical role in both LD budding/growth and adipocyte development. This review summarizes recent advances, and aims to provide a better understanding of LD growth as well as adipogenesis, two critical aspects in mammalian fat storage. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent Advances in Lipid Droplet Biology edited by Rosalind Coleman and Matthijs Hesselink.