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Lipids are hydrophobic or amphiphilic small molecules that include sterols, waxes, fatty acids and phospholipids, and are insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvent. Biological lipids are generated from ketoacyl and isoprene (CH2=C(CH3)CH=CH2) groups and include glycerolipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids and polyketides. Lipids play roles in energy storage, signalling and as structural components.
Ferroptosis, a cell death mechanism induced by lipid peroxidation, is pivotal in tumor suppression. A recent study shows that tumor repopulating cells evade ferroptosis and develop resistance to therapy via subverting a lipid metabolism enzyme.
In this Review, the authors describe the changes in metabolism that predispose individuals to developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and highlight the potential of available and emerging therapeutic strategies that target metabolic remodelling to treat AF.
Membrane fusion is crucial for fabricating artificial membranes. Here, the authors present an approach combining electric field with hydraulic pressure to physically control the fusion, enabling tuning of the shape and size of the 3D freestanding lipid bilayers in physiological solutions.
Despite the importance of Rab GTPases in maintaining the integrity of vesicle trafficking, their physiological roles are not well understood. Here, the authors define a role for Rab30 in supporting lipid homeostasis during fasting in the mouse.
Ferroptosis, a cell death mechanism induced by lipid peroxidation, is pivotal in tumor suppression. A recent study shows that tumor repopulating cells evade ferroptosis and develop resistance to therapy via subverting a lipid metabolism enzyme.
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.