Investigating the dynamics of single lipid droplets in living cells
Project Description
Studying lipid droplets in living cells is essential for deciphering their dynamic roles as multifunctional organelles that govern cellular energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and stress adaptation, all of which are intimately linked to human health and disease. Observing lipid droplets in real time within their native physiological environment reveals how they rapidly form, remodel, and interact with other organelles to buffer lipotoxicity, modulate signaling cascades, and coordinate metabolic responses to nutritional and environmental fluctuations. This live-cell perspective is crucial for uncovering the mechanistic underpinnings of metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hepatic steatosis, as well as their emerging contributions to cancer progression, neurodegenerative pathologies, and viral infections. Therefore, we will investigate the dynamics of lipid droplets in living cells and understand their dynamics.
Supervisor
PARK, Hyo Keun
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
Investigating single lipid droplets in living cells using fluorescene microscopy and analyzing those data using programs.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
1. Understand the motion and dynamics of single lipid droplets in living cells.
2. Understand how to perform live-cell imaging.
3. Understand how to analyze imaging data using programs.
4. Understand how to interpret results.
Complexity of the project
Moderate