Expérimental et théorique
In our lab, we are interested in elucidating the question of how lipid droplets form and grow by investigating different aspects of the lipid biogenesis pathway via biophysical and soft matter approaches. We utilize biochemical and physicochemical techniques in vitro and in vivo to get to the bottom of the mechanisms of lipid droplet biogenesis. Lipid droplets (LDs) are cellular organelles that have a neutral lipid core consisting of neutral lipids, e.g., triglycerides and are surrounded by a lipid monolayer. Apart from maintaining the cellular energy balance, they are also involved in protein quality control, gene expression, and development. IN essence, LDs represent intracellular oil-in-water droplets whose biology is regulated by the physics of fluids or emulsions. We aim to use top-down approaches wherein starting by understanding such physics allows us to understanding the subsequent biology of lipids.