Modulator of adipocyte lipid metabolism. Coats lipid storage droplets to protect them from breakdown by hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Its absence may result in leanness. Plays a role in unilocular lipid droplet formation by activating CIDEC. Their interaction promotes lipid droplet enlargement and directional net neutral lipid transfer. May modulate lipolysis and triglyceride levels. Interacts with ABHD5 (By similarity). Interacts with CIDEC (PubMed:23399566). Interacts with AQP7 (PubMed:27832861). Lipid droplet surface-associated. Detected in adipocytes from white adipose tissue (at protein level) (PubMed:27832861). Detected in visceral adipose tissue and mammary gland (PubMed:9521880). Major cAMP-dependent protein kinase-substrate in adipocytes, also dephosphorylated by PP1. When phosphorylated, may be maximally sensitive to HSL and when unphosphorylated, may play a role in the inhibition of lipolysis, by acting as a barrier in lipid droplet (By similarity). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the perilipin family. Fat, wonderful fat - Issue 10 of May 2001