James A. Olzmann University of California, Berkeley, USA

Dr. James Olzmann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology at the University of California at Berkeley. The Olzmann lab integrates systems level, chemical biology, and cell biology strategies to understand the biogenesis and functions of lipid droplets, which are ER-derived neutral lipid storage organelles. Lipid droplets function as cellular hubs of lipid metabolism, supplying fatty acids that can be employed for energy, membrane biogenesis, and lipid signaling pathways. The Olzmann lab recently developed proximity labeling methods to elucidate the dynamic remodeling of lipid droplet proteomes under fluctuating metabolic conditions. This study revealed a role for the ER protein degradation pathway known as ERAD in the regulation of the lipid droplet proteome composition. In addition, the Olzmann lab also recently discovered an unexpected role for lipid droplets in protecting cells from lipotoxic damage during periods of high autophagic flux. By leveraging creative cell biology approaches, the Olzmann lab aims to advance our understanding of the fundamental principles underlying organelle biogenesis and crosstalk in cellular homeostasis.

Lab Website: https://www.olzmannlab.com/