Lipidomics update - September 2011

The lipidomics update provides an overview of developments in lipid research. Each month we offer a fresh collection of research, news and events for the specialist and the interested non-specialist alike. Register for our email alert to stay informed.

Lipid of the month

α-Linolenic acid
Most studied as the precursor fatty acid of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid family, this lipid might mediate biological effects independent of its long chain metabolites.

Research highlights

Viral envelopes: Get your coat, you're leaving

The membrane envelope of human cytomegalovirus has a distinct lipid composition resembling that of host synaptic vesicles.
Immune cell migration: Homing in on a function for oxysterol

7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol functions as a chemotactic factor in the immune system by interacting with the orphan GPCR EBI2.
Microbial ecology: Bacterial volatiles give the game away

Several volatile compounds, including 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-butenal and 2-methylbutanoic acid, are produced by an aphid-associated bacterium isolated from honeydew and can attract natural predators to infested plants.
Glia: Death receptor deals blow to remyelination

Blocking the activity of death receptor 6, which negatively regulates oligodendrocyte survival and maturation, can enhance remyelination.