Fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases are major health challenges, often driven by imbalances in how liver cells handle fats. Liver cells store excess fats in structures called lipid droplets (LDs) or package them into particles called very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) for transport in the bloodstream. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to fatty liver or atherosclerosis, increasing heart disease risk. This project investigates how liver cells manage fats at a nanoscale level. Using advanced imaging techniques, we will create detailed 3D models of how LDs and VLDLs are formed and interact in liver cells, with the goal of better understanding fat handling in liver cells. The results will provide new insights into fatty liver and heart disease, paving the way for better treatments and improved health.

2025

2029