Lipidomics update - November 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

Sphingomyelin
Not merely membrane building blocks, sphingomyelin species carry out important signaling roles as precursor molecules and by providing localized platforms.

Research highlights

Immune response: Strategy showcases self-lipids
A mass spectrometry approach identifies self-lipids presented by members of the CD1 surveillance system.
Chemotherapy: PIFAs de resistance
Platinum-based chemotherapy induces mesenchymal stem cells to release two distinct fatty acids — 12-oxo-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid and 4,7,10,13-tetraenoic acid — that can confer resistance to multiple types of chemotherapy.
Lipids: Adipose lipid turnover—a new target in metabolic disease
Lipid turnover in adipocytes differs between healthy individuals and those with obesity or hyperlipidemia.
Cell biology: When fat droplets fatten
An enzyme, CCT, regulates the formation of phosphatidylcholine during the expansion of lipid droplets.
Metabolism: A lipid link for Parkin
A new study has shown that the protein Parkin, which is mutated in some people with Parkinson's disease, regulates lipid metabolism.