Lipid storage organelles in formation of polarized cellular interfaces during cell division and cell fusion (A13*)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 386797833

We recently identified an unstudied protein that promotes accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), ubiquitous lipid storage and metabolism organelles, at polarity sites during cell division and fusion. This finding allows us for the first time to actively manipulate LD polarization. We hypothesize that polarized LDs provide specific lipid building blocks for localized PM remodeling, and address two key questions: (1) How is LD polarization achieved on a molecular level? And (2) how do LDs affect formation of polarized PM interfaces during cell division and fusion?

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1348: Dynamic cellular interfaces: formation and function
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Maria Bohnert