This project elucidates how cholesterol storage between subcellular comparments is controlled, by taking advantage of new microscopy techniques, gene editing methods and biochemical analyses. It is known that lipid droplets represent the cellular cholesterol storage sites, but other important lipids are stored in these compartments as well, such as triglycerides. The formation and removal of cholesterol and triglyceride stores are regulated both at the level of lipid droplets and the endoplasmic reticulum. This project will uncover, how cholesterol, especially its storage form cholesteryl ester, moves between lipid droplets and the endoplasmic reticulum in normal and disease conditions. We will elucidate how cellular proteins transfer cholesterol or its storage form and how this affects cellular functions. This basic cell biological research will help to understand, how cells react to excess cholesterol e.g. in cardiovascular diseases.

2024

2028