Lipids articles from across Nature Portfolio

MEF2C is a transcription factor that has known functions in a variety of cell types, but it has not yet been ascribed a role in natural killer cells. Data now show that MEF2C promotes the functional responses of human and murine natural killer cells by controlling their metabolic programs.

Detection of intracellular lipolysaccharide (LPS) activates an immune response initiated by the non-canonical inflammasome. ATGL has now been identified as a negative regulator of this pathway that dampens inflammation by removing LPS’ acyl chains, preventing the activation of inflammatory caspases and cytokines.

The symbiont Ca. Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus is dependent on its host Halorubrum lacusprofundi for lipids due to a lack of certain biosynthetic genes. Here, the authors characterize the lipidome dynamics of this symbiotic relationship.

Epidermal retinol dehydrogenases 2 (SDR16C5) and RDHE2-similar (SDR16C6) are the major retinol dehydrogenases in skin, which regulate hair cycling, hair composition, hair follicle stem cell markers, and circadian clock genes.

Fats and oils are crucial dietary supplements for human health. However, animal fats and palm oil dominate the food industry, with concerns over health and the environment that call for the development of fat alternatives. The fat industry offers a vast market potential, with several startups pioneering new technical solutions and attracting venture capital interest.

MEF2C is a transcription factor that has known functions in a variety of cell types, but it has not yet been ascribed a role in natural killer cells. Data now show that MEF2C promotes the functional responses of human and murine natural killer cells by controlling their metabolic programs.

Detection of intracellular lipolysaccharide (LPS) activates an immune response initiated by the non-canonical inflammasome. ATGL has now been identified as a negative regulator of this pathway that dampens inflammation by removing LPS’ acyl chains, preventing the activation of inflammatory caspases and cytokines.

A new study identifies a hormone that is secreted by the gut in response to cholesterol absorption and can inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which prevents an increase in circulating cholesterol levels.

The coenzyme Q biosynthetic pathway has evaded full characterization for decades, in part due to the inherent insolubility of coenzyme Q and the instability of its membrane-associated biosynthetic enzymes. Now, researchers have resurrected an active ancestral coenzyme Q metabolon in vitro that has unveiled valuable insights into previously uncharacterized aspects of coenzyme Q biosynthesis.