Lipins: Linking phospholipid biosynthesis to organelle biogenesis

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Cells use lipids as building blocks for the formation of membranes. Membranes separate cells from their environment and are also essential for the organization of the intracellular space into several compartments, or organelles, each with its own specific function. Lipids determine the physical properties of membranes, such as their ability to change shape and their permeability. Moreover, lipids can produce chemical messages and thus local changes in lipid composition affect the way organelles communicate with each other. The main aim of this project is to understand how a family of enzymes, conserved from yeasts to humans, regulates lipid production and how this in turn impacts on membrane biogenesis and organelle structure/function. Some of these enzymes control also production of triglycerides, the major energy store in fat cells and there is evidence that their mutation disrupts fat metabolism. By studying how these enzymes function, we hope to learn more about conditions like obesity and lipodystrophy.