CIDEC - Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector C | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

Cell Death-Inducing DFFA-like Effector C (CIDEC), also known as Fsp27 (Fat-specific protein 27), is a protein that plays a vital role in lipid metabolism, particularly in the formation and maintenance of lipid droplets in adipocytes. CIDEC is a member of the CIDE (Cell Death-Inducing DFF45-like Effector) family, which includes CIDEC, CIDEB, and CIDEA. These proteins share homology and have functions related to apoptosis and lipid regulation. CIDEC is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and is essential for the regulation of lipid storage and energy homeostasis. It has a significant role in the formation of large unilocular lipid droplets, which are characteristic of white adipose tissue, and is involved in the process of lipid droplet fusion.

Protein Structure

CIDEC’s structure is characterized by several domains and regions that facilitate its interactions with lipids and other proteins:

• N-terminal CIDE-N domain: This domain is conserved among the CIDE family members and is essential for the protein-protein interactions necessary for its function in lipid metabolism and apoptosis.
• C-terminal CIDE-C domain: This domain is responsible for binding to lipid droplets and is critical for CIDEC’s role in promoting lipid droplet fusion and growth.
• Amphipathic helices: These regions within the CIDE-C domain enable CIDEC to associate with lipid membranes, facilitating its lipid regulatory functions.

Classification and Subtypes

CIDEC is classified within the CIDE protein family, which includes:

• CIDEA: Primarily involved in apoptosis and lipid metabolism, expressed mainly in adipose tissue.
• CIDEB: Predominantly expressed in the liver, involved in lipid droplet dynamics and energy metabolism.
• CIDEC (Fsp27): Mainly found in adipose tissue, critical for the formation and maintenance of large lipid droplets.

Function and Biological Significance

CIDEC is involved in several critical cellular functions:

• Lipid Droplet Formation: CIDEC promotes the formation and fusion of lipid droplets in adipocytes, contributing to the creation of large unilocular lipid droplets that store triglycerides.
• Energy Storage: By regulating lipid droplet growth, CIDEC plays a crucial role in lipid storage and energy homeostasis, particularly in white adipose tissue.
• Lipid Homeostasis: CIDEC’s activities help regulate the size and number of lipid droplets, maintaining proper lipid levels in adipocytes and preventing lipotoxicity.
• Apoptosis: While its primary function is in lipid metabolism, CIDEC also has pro-apoptotic activities, although these are less well understood compared to its roles in lipid regulation.

Clinical Issues

Alterations in CIDEC function or expression are associated with several metabolic disorders:

• Obesity: Dysregulation of CIDEC can lead to improper lipid storage and metabolic imbalances, contributing to the development of obesity and its associated complications.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Abnormal CIDEC activity can influence lipid accumulation in tissues beyond adipose tissue, contributing to conditions such as NAFLD.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Given its role in regulating lipid metabolism, CIDEC dysfunction can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes.
• Metabolic Syndrome: CIDEC’s role in lipid storage and energy regulation links it to broader metabolic syndrome, characterized by a cluster of conditions including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Summary

CIDEC (Fsp27) is a crucial protein in lipid metabolism, particularly in the formation and maintenance of lipid droplets in adipocytes. Its structure, featuring CIDE-N and CIDE-C domains, enables it to interact with lipid droplets and promote their growth and fusion. By regulating lipid storage and energy balance, CIDEC plays a significant role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Dysregulation of CIDEC is associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, NAFLD, and type 2 diabetes. Understanding the mechanisms by which CIDEC influences lipid metabolism and storage is essential for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.