A lipid hydrolase and a ubiquitin ligase play hide‐and‐seek in the ER membrane

Abstract

Complex metabolic diseases such as diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease have been associated with aberrant lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity. To maintain lipid homeostasis and escape lipotoxicity, cells deploy a plethora of mechanisms, the most fascinating of which relying on a sense‐and‐response circuit. New work by Volkmar et al reveals an auto‐regulated pathway formed by a lipid hydrolase and a lipid‐sensitive E3 ubiquitin ligase playing hide‐and‐seek to warrant membrane function in stressed cells.