Lipid droplets as stress-buffering organelles in cancer cell homeostasis

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that support homeostasis and shield cancer cells from stress to promote cancer cell survival, progression, and therapy escape. Here, we summarize recent findings demonstrating LD crosstalk with other organelles and the immune/stromal compartments aimed at buffering metabolic, oxidative, proteotoxic, and lipotoxic stress and stress from cancer treatment and the anti-tumor immune response. We briefly summarize current experimental approaches, including imaging, biochemical, and functional approaches, used to study LD biology. Together, these findings place LDs at the center of cancer cell homeostasis and highlight their emerging potential as translational targets in cancer therapy.