Mitochondria graphic
Scott Wilde
This image symbolizes the conclusions from our study of lipid droplet-associated mitochondria. Previously, it was unknown whether mitochondria bound to lipid droplets are specialized to build the lipid droplet or oxidize the fat stored inside of it. Our study demonstrates that peri-droplet mitochondria provide the ATP energy to power triglyceride synthesis and build up lipid droplets. As such, the image displays mitochondria (blue/pink) feeding grapes and massaging a lipid droplet (center yellow) to build it up.