Cholesterol Homeostasis and Cholesterol Ester Storage. – CHOLESTORAGE

Cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes, providing structural integrity and influencing fluidity through structures like rafts. Beyond its structural role, cholesterol acts as a precursor for essential molecules such as hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D, impacting various physiological processes. Precise cellular regulation of cholesterol is crucial, as its imbalance has severe health implications. Abnormal cholesterol levels, either high (hypercholesterolemia) or low (hypocholesterolemia), are linked to serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease. Additionally, altered cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of many cancers. Despite its importance, the precise roles of cholesterol in these disorders remain unclear due to gaps in our understanding of cholesterol regulation pathways.

One significant aspect of cholesterol homeostasis is its esterification into cholesterol esters, facilitating storage in lipid droplets. Our research aims to unravel the critical role of cholesterol esterification in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Understanding this process not only provides fundamental insights into lipid biology but also offers potential avenues for developing therapeutic strategies to combat various diseases associated with cholesterol dysregulation.