Lipid dynamics at contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles

Abstract

Phospholipids are synthesized primarily within the endoplasmic reticulum and are subsequently distributed to various subcellular membranes to maintain the unique lipid composition of specific organelles. As a result, in most cases, the steady-state localization of membrane phospholipids does not match their site of synthesis. This raises the question of how diverse lipid species reach their final membrane destinations and what molecular processes provide the energy to maintain the lipid gradients that exist between various membrane compartments. Recent studies have highlighted the role of inositol phospholipids in the nonvesicular transport of lipids at membrane contact sites. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of these complex lipid dynamics and highlights their implications for defining future research directions.