Cells store excess fat in lipid droplets to avoid lipotoxicity and maintain homeostasis. We identified an autophagy-independent role for the autophagy lipid transfer protein ATG2A in helping direct lipids to growing lipid droplets and promoting recruitment of the enzyme DGAT2. This coordination enhances triglyceride storage, protects the endoplasmic reticulum from lipid overload and limits the misrouting of lipids into other metabolic pathways.
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This is a summary of: Elhan, H. et al. ATG2 and DGAT2 synergize to enhance lipid storage in lipid droplets. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41594-025-01689-0 (2025).
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ATG2A–DGAT2 cooperation fuels lipid droplet growth. Nat Struct Mol Biol 32, 2385–2386 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41594-025-01720-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41594-025-01720-4
