Perilipins, ADRP, and other proteins that associate with intracellular neutral lipid droplets in animal cells

Although all animal cells package and store neutral lipids in discrete intr acellular storage droplets, there is little information on the molecular pr ocesses that govern either the deposition or catabolism of the stored lipid components. Studies on anipocytes have uncovered the perilipins and ADRP, related proteins that appear to be intrinsic to the surfaces of intracellul ar lipid storage droplets. We discuss the properties, distribution, localiz ation, and potential functions of these proteins, as well as those of vimen tin and the recently-described 'capsular' proteins, in lipid storage and me tabolism.