Confocal microscopy of human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cells with (right photo) or without (left photo) incubation with oleate for 24 hours. The cells were then marked with fluorescent molecules to reveal in green the lipid droplets (lipid reserves of the cells), in blue the endoplasmic reticulum (communication network inside the cells) and in red the cell nuclei. containing DNA. Oleate, the main lipid in dietary fat, has been observed to cause the formation of many of the lipid droplets. The elements necessary for this formation seem to pass through the reticulum. The analysis of the mechanisms involved in the formation of these lipid droplets will allow us to better understand the impacts of Western-style diets on the health of our liver.

Name: Légiot Alexandre
Affiliation: UQAM
Edition: 2020