Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A (CIDEA)

Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A (CIDEA) is a mammalian protein primarily found in adipose tissue, where it has a dual role in apoptosis and lipid metabolism[1][2][7]. As a member of the CIDE family, which also includes CIDE-B and FSP27 (also called CIDEC), CIDEA regulates the size and number of lipid droplets in adipocytes, affecting how fat is stored and mobilized in the body[3]. CIDEA’s proapoptotic activity is associated with DNA fragmentation during cell death, but its physiological role also includes promoting energy homeostasis and the terminal differentiation of fat cells[1][2][3]. High expression of CIDEA is linked to adipose tissue function, and its dysregulation is implicated in metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes[7]. CIDEA interacts with other lipid droplet proteins, and fine-tuning its function could potentially serve as a therapeutic strategy for metabolic disease, although there are safety concerns regarding unintended metabolic consequences[2][7]. No direct drugs or clinical biomarkers currently target CIDEA, and its primary relevance is as a regulator of lipid storage and metabolic disease risk[1][3][7].

Other names

CIDE-ACideA proteinDNA fragmentation factor-α-like effector A