Autophagy and lipid homeostasis

Abstract

Autophagy delivers not only cytoplasmic proteins and RNA but also various organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid droplets to lysosomes/vacuoles for degradation. Thus, a considerable amount of membrane lipids is also transported into lysosomes/vacuole via autophagy. However, little is known about degradation and recycling of lipids, and the mechanism and physiological significance of these processes, compared with those of proteins and RNA. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on relationships between lipid metabolism and autophagy and discuss the involvement of autophagy in lipid homeostasis.