Lipid droplet assembly factor 1 (LDAF1)

Lipid droplet assembly factor 1 (LDAF1) is a small integral membrane protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lipid droplets, with a crucial role in orchestrating the formation of lipid droplets—intracellular organelles central to lipid and energy homeostasis[1][2][4]. LDAF1 interacts with seipin (encoded by BSCL2), forming a lipid droplet assembly complex (LDAC) that facilitates the nucleation, organization, and maturation of nascent lipid droplets within the ER membrane[1][2][3]. The LDAF1–seipin complex determines the sites of lipid droplet biogenesis, with LDAF1 providing additional hydrophobic segments to the LDAC, enhancing its efficiency[1]. Loss-of-function or mutations in components of this complex, especially in seipin, are associated with disorders such as congenital generalized lipodystrophy and Siddiqi Syndrome[2]. Currently, LDAF1 is not considered a direct therapeutic target, and there are no clinically relevant drugs known to interact with or modulate this protein. Its main relevance lies in basic research on lipid metabolism and rare metabolic diseases.

Other names

TMEM159PromethinTransmembrane protein 159PROMETHIN