The Füllekrug Lab

Subcellular compartmentalization of lipid metabolism

The overall focus of our lab is the intracellular sorting of membrane proteins and lipids, and the functional role of subcellular localization in the trafficking and metabolism of lipids. We are interested in particular how proteins and lipids are interacting to organize the transport and metabolism of fatty acids during the biogenesis of lipid droplets.

Formation of lipid droplets is an essential function of all eukaryotic cells, and the regulation processes involved are highly relevant for the development of obesity and diabetes type II. Biogenesis of lipid droplets starts with the uptake and activation of fatty acids, and we have been characterizing the proteins involved, in particular enzymes of the fatty acyl-CoA synthetase family. 

Our model system are mammalian tissue culture cells which are manipulated by techniques of molecular biology, especially through the expression of mutated proteins designed to reveal functional aspects. We combine both microscopy and biochemistry for analysis. 

Team

• Former members - Alumni