Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector C (CIDEC)

Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector C (CIDEC, also known as FSP27 in mice) is a lipid droplet–associated protein that plays a central role in adipocyte biology by promoting the formation of large, unilocular lipid droplets through facilitation of droplet fusion and lipid exchange and by inhibiting lipolysis[1][3][4][6]. CIDEC thereby optimizes triglyceride storage, prevents excessive free fatty acid release, and ensures efficient energy storage[1][2][3]. The protein is regulated by insulin, and its expression correlates positively with insulin sensitivity[1][3]. CIDEC also plays a role in apoptosis, particularly under metabolic stress or specific experimental conditions[1][3]. Mutations or altered expression patterns are associated with metabolic diseases, including familial partial lipodystrophy, type 5, insulin resistant diabetes, and fatty liver diseases[1][3][4]. Distinct tissue-specific isoforms contribute to fat storage in adipose and triglyceride accumulation in the liver, particularly under metabolic or ethanol-induced stress[1]. No direct drug modulators of CIDEC are currently approved, but its role in energy homeostasis and cell death makes it a potential target for therapies aimed at metabolic diseases[1][3].

Other names

CIDE-3FSP27CIDE3FLJ20871FPLD5fat-specific protein 27cell death activator CIDE-3lipid transferase CIDECcell death-inducing DFFA-like effector protein Cfat-specific protein FSP27 homolog

Not established for specific drugs; mechanism as a target would involve modulation of lipid droplet formation, inhibition of lipolysis, adipocyte apoptosis, and regulation of triglyceride storage