Lipidomics update - January 2012

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

Ceramide
This sphingolipid is a structural component of cell membranes and a bioactive signalling molecule, and its involvement in several pathological states makes it the focus of many drug discovery efforts.

Research highlights

Angiogenesis: prostaglandin D₂ signals bad news for tumours
Prostaglandin D₂ derived from tumour-infiltrating mast cells confers anti-angiogenic properties by suppressing the production of TNF and vascular leakage.
Metabolic syndrome: case builds for TGR5 as target
Activation of the GPCR TGR5 confers protection from atherosclerosis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the uptake of oxidized LDL in macrophages.
Atherosclerosis: Coronary effects of intensive statins
Recent results from a Phase IIIb study indicate that maximal doses of rosuvastatin or atorvastatin resulted in regression of coronary atherosclerosis without causing any major safety concerns.
Gynecological cancer: Home is where the fat is
In response to adipokines released from adipocytes, ovarian cancer cells migrate to the omentum, where they use the lipids to produce energy through β-oxidation, enabling them to grow faster.
Breast cancer: Staking a claim
PBX1 can function as a pioneer factor in oestrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer.