Lipid signalling articles from across Nature Portfolio

Effective pharmacological treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are missing. A study by Zhang et al. suggests that targeting the thrombo-inflammatory activity of platelets by blocking the intracellular accumulation of ceramides might limit AAA progression while not affecting hemostatic platelet function.

Cryo-EM structures reveal the molecular mechanism of ligands and G protein selectivity for prostaglandin F_2α receptor, providing guidance for development of better postpartum hemorrhage drugs.

The role and mechanisms for protein palmitoylation in renal fibrosis remain unclear. Here, the authors show that DHHC9 and APT1 catalysed β-catenin S-palmitoylation on Cys300 contributes to renal fibrosis, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for chronic kidney diseases.

Endonuclease G is known to translocate to the nucleus during apoptosis, but less is known about its role in the cytosol. Here, the authors show that cytoplasmic endonuclease G activates mTORC2 signaling and ER stress to promote NAFLD in female mice.

The molecular mechanisms responsible for cellular cholesterol distribution remain unclear. Here, the authors identify a key role of lipid transfer proteins ORP9, OSBP, and GRAMD1s in maintaining cholesterol levels in the Golgi and plasma membrane.

Barrachina et al. present an extensive lipidomic analysis at different stages of thrombopoiesis and, through in vitro and in vivo experiments, demonstrate that fatty acid uptake, largely dependent on the scavenger receptor CD36, and its regulation are essential for megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production.

Effective pharmacological treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are missing. A study by Zhang et al. suggests that targeting the thrombo-inflammatory activity of platelets by blocking the intracellular accumulation of ceramides might limit AAA progression while not affecting hemostatic platelet function.

Liu and colleagues investigate the effects that ovarian aging may have in granulosa cell-to-oocyte communication and demonstrate that oocyte rejuvenation and the extension of reproductive lifespan is possible by increasing lipid metabolism in granulosa cells in mouse.

Phosphoinositide signalling regulates cellular processes and is hijacked by pathogens. Classically, phosphoinositides are produced by kinase- and phosphatase-catalysed reactions. A study now reveals an unprecedented, kinase- and ATP-free synthesis of PtdIns(3,4)P₂ via a phosphotransferase mechanism during bacterial infection.