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| Open AccessGiant sponge grounds of Central Arctic seamounts are associated with extinct seep life
This study reports the discovery of dense sponge gardens across the peaks of permanently ice-covered, extinct volcanic seamounts of the Langseth Ridge and on the remnants of a now extinct seep ecosystem. Using approaches to sample and infer food and energy sources to this ice-covered community, the authors suggest that the sponges use refractory organic matter trapped in the extinct seep community on which they sit.
- T. M. Morganti
- , B. M. Slaby
- & A. Boetius
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Article
| Open AccessDifferential activation mechanisms of lipid GPCRs by lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate
Liu et al. report structures of human sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1P1) in complex with Gi and S1P or the multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Siponimod, as well as human lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor 1 (LPA1) in complex with Gi and LPA, revealing distinct conformations of the lysophospholipids interacting with their cognate GPCRs.
- Shian Liu
- , Navid Paknejad
- & Xin-Yun Huang
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Article
| Open AccessA method to construct the dynamic landscape of a bio-membrane with experiment and simulation
The authors present a strategy to construct dynamic biomolecular landscapes. Here, they derive a quantitative description of the distribution timescales and amplitudes of reorientational motion of POPC membranes from the combination of NMR relaxation data and frame analysis of MD simulations.
- Albert A. Smith
- , Alexander Vogel
- & Daniel Huster
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Article
| Open AccessA mass spectrometric method for in-depth profiling of phosphoinositide regioisomers and their disease-associated regulation
Different phosphoinositide isomers are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Here, the authors combine chiral column chromatography and mass spectrometry to measure phosphoinositide regioisomers, revealing their dynamic changes in intra- and extracellular cancer cell milieus.
- Shin Morioka
- , Hiroki Nakanishi
- & Takehiko Sasaki
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Article
| Open AccessHedgehog-Interacting Protein is a multimodal antagonist of Hedgehog signalling
Hedgehog-Interacting Protein (HHIP) is the only reported secreted inhibitor of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signalling. Here, the authors report structures of the HHIP N- and C-terminal domains, both in complexes with glycosaminoglycans, providing insights into the molecular basis for SHH sequestration and inhibition.
- Samuel C. Griffiths
- , Rebekka A. Schwab
- & Christian Siebold
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Article
| Open AccessCrystal structures of phosphatidyl serine synthase PSS reveal the catalytic mechanism of CDP-DAG alcohol O-phosphatidyl transferases
CDP-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) alcohol O-phosphatidyl transferases (CDP-APs) are conserved in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes and catalyze the de novo synthesis of phospho-lipids from the precursor CDP-DAG and an alcohol. Here, the authors present the crystal structures of the Methanocaldococcus jannaschii phosphatidyl serine synthase (MjPSS) in four different states and suggest a model for its catalytic mechanism.
- Martin Centola
- , Katharina van Pee
- & Özkan Yildiz
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Article
| Open AccessAGPAT2 interaction with CDP-diacylglycerol synthases promotes the flux of fatty acids through the CDP-diacylglycerol pathway
AGPATs (1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases) catalyze the acylation of lysophosphatidic acid to form phosphatidic acid (PA), a key step in the synthesis of all glycerolipids. Here, the authors show that AGPAT2 and CDP-DAG synthases (CDS1 and CDS2) form functional complexes that promote further conversion of PA along the CDP-DAG pathway of phospholipid synthesis.
- Hoi Yin Mak
- , Qian Ouyang
- & Hongyuan Yang
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Article
| Open AccessThe structural basis for the phospholipid remodeling by lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3
During phosphatidylcholine (PC) remodeling re-acylation is catalyzed by lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCAT). Here, the authors present crystal and cryo-EM structures of chicken LPCAT3 in the apo-, acyl donor-bound and acyl receptor-bound states, and based on the structures and further functional analysis they discuss the mechanism of the enzyme.
- Qing Zhang
- , Deqiang Yao
- & Yu Cao
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Article
| Open AccessMultiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and during infection
The pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis depends on host fatty acids and cholesterol as carbon sources. Here, Beites et al. identify a protein complex that is essential for fatty acid and cholesterol utilization and thus for survival of M. tuberculosis during infection, supporting this pathway as a potential target for tuberculosis drug development.
- Tiago Beites
- , Robert S. Jansen
- & Sabine Ehrt
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Article
| Open AccessFree energies of membrane stalk formation from a lipidomics perspective
Fusion of cellular membranes begins with the formation of a stalk. Here, the authors develop a computationally efficient method for coarse-grained simulations of stalk formation and apply this approach to comprehensively analyse how stalk formation is influenced by the membrane lipid composition.
- Chetan S. Poojari
- , Katharina C. Scherer
- & Jochen S. Hub
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Article
| Open AccessLysine acetylation regulates the interaction between proteins and membranes
Lysine acetylation regulates the function of soluble proteins in vivo, yet it remains largely unexplored whether lysine acetylation regulates the function of membrane proteins. Here, the authors map lysine acetylation predominantly in membrane-interaction regions in peripheral membrane proteins and show with three candidate proteins how lysine acetylation is a regulator of membrane protein function.
- Alan K. Okada
- , Kazuki Teranishi
- & Ralf Langen
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Article
| Open AccessMMAB promotes negative feedback control of cholesterol homeostasis
The mechanisms governing cholesterol homeostasis remain incompletely understood. Here, the authors develop an integrative genomic strategy to identify MMAB, and enzyme in the adenosylcobalamin pathway, as a regulator of hepatic LDLR activity and cholesterol biosynthesis.
- Leigh Goedeke
- , Alberto Canfrán-Duque
- & Carlos Fernández-Hernando
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Article
| Open AccessSerum apolipoprotein A-I potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of lysocin E against Staphylococcus aureus
Lysocin E is a lipopeptide with antibiotic activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Here, the authors show that the antimicrobial activity of lysocin E is potentiated through interactions with host serum proteins (such as apolipoprotein A-I) and bacterial membrane components.
- Hiroshi Hamamoto
- , Suresh Panthee
- & Kazuhisa Sekimizu
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Article
| Open AccessStructural library and visualization of endogenously oxidized phosphatidylcholines using mass spectrometry-based techniques
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines (oxPCs) are a structurally diverse class of lipids associated with various diseases. Here, the authors use mass spectrometry to construct a spectral library of 465 oxPCs and subsequently profile oxPCs formed during acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in mice.
- Yuta Matsuoka
- , Masatomo Takahashi
- & Ken-ichi Yamada
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Article
| Open AccessPDZD-8 and TEX-2 regulate endosomal PI(4,5)P2 homeostasis via lipid transport to promote embryogenesis in C. elegans
Cellular membranes have distinct lipid compositions despite intermixing, and it is unclear why plasma membrane lipids do not accumulate on endosomes. Here, the authors use the C. elegans embryo to identify lipid transfer proteins and phosphatases that are critical for endosomal lipid homeostasis.
- Darshini Jeyasimman
- , Bilge Ercan
- & Yasunori Saheki
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Article
| Open AccessA metabolome atlas of the aging mouse brain
Metabolites play an important role in physiology, yet the complexity of the metabolome and its interaction with disease and aging is poorly understood. Here the authors present a comprehensive atlas of the mouse brain metabolome and how it changes during aging.
- Jun Ding
- , Jian Ji
- & Oliver Fiehn
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Article
| Open AccessStructural basis of the P4B ATPase lipid flippase activity
The P4 ATPase lipid flippases play a crucial role in membrane biogenesis. Here the authors report the structure of the monomeric P4B ATPase Neo1 in several states, clarifying the mechanism of substrate transport.
- Lin Bai
- , Bhawik K. Jain
- & Huilin Li
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Article
| Open AccessMechanism of lipid droplet formation by the yeast Sei1/Ldb16 Seipin complex
Lipid droplet biogenesis is orchestrated by the conserved membrane protein Seipin via an unknown mechanism. Here, the authors use structural, biochemical and molecular dynamics simulation approaches to reveal the mechanism of lipid droplet formation by the yeast Seipin Sei1 and its partner Ldb16.
- Yoel A. Klug
- , Justin C. Deme
- & Pedro Carvalho
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Article
| Open AccessStructure and inhibition of Cryptococcus neoformans sterylglucosidase to develop antifungal agents
Sterylglucosidase 1 (Sgl1) is a virulence factor in Cryptococcus neoformans that modulates fungal pathogenesis and host response. Here, the authors characterize Sgl1 structurally, identify Sgl1 inhibitors, and demonstrate Sgl1 inhibition has efficacy in mouse models of infection.
- Nivea Pereira de Sa
- , Adam Taouil
- & Michael V. Airola
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Article
| Open AccessLoss of SNORA73 reprograms cellular metabolism and protects against steatohepatitis
Lipid induced stress contributes to metabolic diseases. Here the authors identify small nucleolar RNA 73 (SNORA73) in a screen for genes that protect against lipotoxicity and show that deficiency of SNORA73 reprograms oxidative metabolism and protects against steatohepatitis in mice.
- Arthur C. Sletten
- , Jessica W. Davidson
- & Jean E. Schaffer
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Article
| Open AccessPD-L1 degradation is regulated by electrostatic membrane association of its cytoplasmic domain
The cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1 (PD-L1-CD) is involved in regulating PD-L1 stability and degradation. Here the authors show that membrane binding of PD-L1-CD mediates the cellular levels of PD-L1, while metformin can disrupt the interaction between PD-L1-CD and the membrane to reduce PD-L1 levels.
- Maorong Wen
- , Yunlei Cao
- & Bo OuYang
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Article
| Open AccessSaturated very long chain fatty acid configures glycosphingolipid for lysosome homeostasis in long-lived C. elegans
The membrane lipids change with ageing and function as regulatory molecules, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, the authors identify C22 glucosylceramide as a regulator of the longevity transcription factor SKN-1, and show that C22 glucosylceramide regulates lifespan by controlling lysosome homeostasis and subsequent TOR activation.
- Feng Wang
- , Yuxi Dai
- & Shanshan Pang
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Article
| Open AccessMiR-205-driven downregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis through SQLE-inhibition identifies therapeutic vulnerability in aggressive prostate cancer
Cholesterol metabolism is involved in the progression of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Here the authors show that miR-205 downregulation promotes cholesterol synthesis and androgen receptor signalling in PCa through enhancing the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, squalene epoxidase.
- C. Kalogirou
- , J. Linxweiler
- & A. Schulze
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Article
| Open AccessPatched regulates lipid homeostasis by controlling cellular cholesterol levels
Cellular cholesterol levels are tightly regulated. Here, the authors show that the hedgehog signalling receptor PTCH is a cholesterol transporter. Reduction in PTCH activity leads to cellular cholesterol accumulation, changes in nuclear hormone receptor activity and fatty acid metabolism.
- Carla E. Cadena del Castillo
- , J. Thomas Hannich
- & Anne Spang
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Comment
| Open AccessMultifaceted mechanisms mediating cystine starvation-induced ferroptosis
The cyst(e)ine/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis is the most frequently targeted pathway to trigger the ferroptosis cascade and suppress tumor growth. Two recent studies present additional mechanisms underlying cystine starvation-induced ferroptosis apart from impaired GSH synthesis.
- Zhennan Shi
- , Nathchar Naowarojna
- & Yilong Zou
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Article
| Open AccessUbiB proteins regulate cellular CoQ distribution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a lipid made in the inner mitochondrial membrane with antioxidant roles throughout the cell, but regulation of its cellular distribution is unclear. Here the authors identify two proteins that have reciprocal CoQ trafficking functions to help coordinate CoQ localization in yeast.
- Zachary A. Kemmerer
- , Kyle P. Robinson
- & David J. Pagliarini
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Article
| Open AccessThe middle lipin domain adopts a membrane-binding dimeric protein fold
Lipins need to bind cell membranes before they can function as phosphatidic acid phosphatases. Here, the authors elucidate the structural basis of lipin membrane-association and identify a lipin domain with a novel protein fold that is critical for membrane binding and full functionality of lipins.
- Weijing Gu
- , Shujuan Gao
- & Michael V. Airola
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Article
| Open AccessCompounds targeting OSBPL7 increase ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux preserving kidney function in two models of kidney disease
This study describes a class of small molecule compounds that promote ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux via a non-transcriptional mechanism, the identification of the molecular target by a chemical biology approach, and the potential of these agents for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases and potentially other diseases where lipid accumulation drives disease progression.
- Matthew B. Wright
- , Javier Varona Santos
- & Alessia Fornoni
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Article
| Open AccessRedefining the specificity of phosphoinositide-binding by human PH domain-containing proteins
Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are presumed to bind phosphoinositides (PIPs) but only few specific interactions are known. Using TIRF microscopy based assays, functional studies and an experimentally validated prediction algorithm, the authors show that specific PIP binding is widespread among human PH domains.
- Nilmani Singh
- , Adriana Reyes-Ordoñez
- & Jie Chen
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Article
| Open AccessIon mobility-based sterolomics reveals spatially and temporally distinctive sterol lipids in the mouse brain
Sterol lipids are crucial for maintaining proper brain function. Here, the authors combine ion mobility-mass spectrometry and machine learning to assemble a sterol lipid library and characterize differences in sterol lipids across ten brain regions and two age groups in mice.
- Tongzhou Li
- , Yandong Yin
- & Zheng-Jiang Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessSphingolipids mediate polar sorting of PIN2 through phosphoinositide consumption at the trans-Golgi network
Lipid composition impacts the function of cellular membranes. Here the authors show that a reduction in sphingolipid acyl-chain length promotes phosphoinositide consumption by phospholipase C at the Arabidopsis trans-Golgi network which in turn regulates sorting of the auxin efflux carrier PIN2.
- Yoko Ito
- , Nicolas Esnay
- & Yohann Boutté
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Article
| Open AccessStructural basis of the membrane intramolecular transacylase reaction responsible for lyso-form lipoprotein synthesis
In Gram-positive bacteria, lipoprotein intramolecular transacylase Lit produces a lipoprotein variant with less immunogenicity. As such, Lit can be viewed as a virulence factor. Here, structural and functional characterization of the enzyme provides insight into its catalytic mechanism, setting the stage for future studies of Lit as a target for new antibiotics.
- Samir Olatunji
- , Katherine Bowen
- & Martin Caffrey
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Article
| Open AccessParticulate organic matter as a functional soil component for persistent soil organic carbon
The fate of soil carbon is controlled by plant inputs, microbial activity, and the soil matrix. Here the authors extend the notion of plant-derived particulate organic matter, from an easily available and labile carbon substrate, to a functional component at which persistence of soil carbon is determined.
- Kristina Witzgall
- , Alix Vidal
- & Carsten W. Mueller
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Article
| Open AccessStructural basis of substrate recognition and translocation by human ABCA4
Here, cryo-EM structures of human retinal ABCA4 transporter, either in apo state, in complex with ATP or with the physiological lipid substrate N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine (NRPE), reveal lateral opening, substrate recognition and suggest ‘lateral access and extrusion’ mechanism for ABCA-mediated lipid transport.
- Tian Xie
- , Zike Zhang
- & Xin Gong
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Article
| Open AccessMeasurement of lipogenic flux by deuterium resolved mass spectrometry
Fat synthesis is necessary for normal physiology, but its dysregulation contributes to the pathology of many diseases. Here, the authors report a high-resolution mass spectrometry approach that quantifies fat synthesis flux in humans and mice following a brief and low dose of deuterated water.
- Xiaorong Fu
- , Stanisław Deja
- & Shawn C. Burgess
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Article
| Open AccessThioesterase superfamily member 1 undergoes stimulus-coupled conformational reorganization to regulate metabolism in mice
Cold exposure activates thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in brown fat, a process suppressed by Them1. Here, the authors show that cold induces Them1 phosphorylation and loss of puncta that suppress fatty acid use, leading to a diffuse localization and increased energy expenditure in mice.
- Yue Li
- , Norihiro Imai
- & Susan J. Hagen
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Article
| Open AccessQki activates Srebp2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis for maintenance of eye lens transparency
Eye lens cells are highly enriched in cholesterol that sustains lens transparency, and disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis leads to cataracts. The authors show that cholesterol biosynthesis regulated by Qki is essential for maintenance of membrane integrity of lens cells and proper protein folding.
- Seula Shin
- , Hao Zhou
- & Jian Hu
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Article
| Open AccessProstaglandin in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates peripheral glucose metabolism
The ventromedial hypothalamus regulates systemic glucose metabolism. Here the authors show that cytosolic phospholipase A2 mediated phospholipid metabolism contributes to this regulation in healthy animals but exert deteriorating effects on glucose homeostasis under high-fat-diet feeding.
- Ming-Liang Lee
- , Hirokazu Matsunaga
- & Chitoku Toda
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Article
| Open AccessDeletion of Mfsd2b impairs thrombotic functions of platelets
The mechanisms by which platelets release sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is not well characterized. Here the authors show that Mfsd2b is required for S1P release from both resting and activated platelets and that deletion of Mfsd2b impairs thrombotic functions of platelets.
- Madhuvanthi Chandrakanthan
- , Toan Quoc Nguyen
- & Long N. Nguyen
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Article
| Open AccessMembrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase promotes LDL receptor shedding and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis
Elevated plasma LDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here, the authors show that inhibition of MT1-MMP reduces plasma LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of atherosclerosis, indicating the potential of MT1-MMP inhibition as a lipid-lowering therapy.
- Adekunle Alabi
- , Xiao-Dan Xia
- & Da-Wei Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessAdipocyte PHLPP2 inhibition prevents obesity-induced fatty liver
Obesity can be associated with an increased risk of metabolic complications. Here, the authors show that adipocyte-specific ablation of the phosphatase PHLPP2 improves glucose homeostasis in high-fat diet fed obese mice, and that this may be due at least in part to PHLPP2 dephosphorylation of HSL.
- KyeongJin Kim
- , Jin Ku Kang
- & Utpal B. Pajvani
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Article
| Open AccessEngineering motile aqueous phase-separated droplets via liposome stabilisation
Bio-mimetic motion has been hard to achieve due to a lack of biocompatible conditions. Here, the authors report the creation of a liposome-stabilised aqueous PEG/dextran Pickering-like emulsion system with motion induced by the Marangoni effect and characterised by negative chemotaxis.
- Shaobin Zhang
- , Claudia Contini
- & Oscar Ces
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Article
| Open AccessLipid regulation of hERG1 channel function
The lipid regulation of mammalian ion channel function has emerged as a fundamental mechanism in the control of electrical signalling and transport specificity. Here, the authors combine molecular dynamics simulations, mutagenesis, and electrophysiology to provide mechanistic insights into how lipophilic molecules alter gating kinetics and K+ currents of hERG1.
- Williams E. Miranda
- , Jiqing Guo
- & Sergei Yu. Noskov
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Article
| Open AccessAn ESCRT-dependent step in fatty acid transfer from lipid droplets to mitochondria through VPS13D−TSG101 interactions
Metabolic rewiring requires the mobilization of fatty acids (FA) from lipid droplets (LDs) at membrane contact sites (MCSs), although the details of FA transfer remain unclear. Here, the authors show that VPS13D and the ESCRT complex remodel LD membranes to promote FA trafficking to mitochondria.
- Jingru Wang
- , Na Fang
- & Wei-Ke Ji
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Article
| Open AccessUnravelling the structural complexity of glycolipids with cryogenic infrared spectroscopy
Glycolipids are glycoconjugates with important biological functions, but techniques for their analysis are deficient. Here, the authors report the use of cryogenic gas-phase infrared spectroscopy to investigate isomerism in a set of immunologically relevant glycolipids, and show that their structural features can be accurately resolved based on a narrow spectral fingerprint region.
- Carla Kirschbaum
- , Kim Greis
- & Kevin Pagel
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-dimensional super-resolution imaging reveals heterogeneity and dynamics of subcellular lipid membranes
Lipid membranes are heterogeneous and dynamically regulated in cells. Here the authors report a Spectrum and Polarisation Optical Tomography (SPOT) method where they use Nile Red dye to resolve membrane morphology, polarity and phase in cells.
- Karl Zhanghao
- , Wenhui Liu
- & Dayong Jin
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Article
| Open AccessConcordant peripheral lipidome signatures in two large clinical studies of Alzheimer’s disease
The onset and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with changes to lipid metabolism. Here, the authors analysed 569 lipids from 32 classes and subclasses in two independent patient cohorts to identify key lipid pathways to link the plasma lipidome with AD and the future onset of AD.
- Kevin Huynh
- , Wei Ling Florence Lim
- & Peter J. Meikle
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Article
| Open AccessA trimeric Rab7 GEF controls NPC1-dependent lysosomal cholesterol export
Lysosomes play an important role in cellular LDL-cholesterol uptake. Here, the authors perform a genome-wide genetic screen for cholesterol regulators and identify C18orf8 as a conserved subunit of a trimeric Rab7 GEF that controls LDL trafficking and NPC1-dependent lysosomal cholesterol export.
- Dick J. H. van den Boomen
- , Agata Sienkiewicz
- & Paul J. Lehner
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Article
| Open AccessBlood pro-resolving mediators are linked with synovial pathology and are predictive of DMARD responsiveness in rheumatoid arthritis
Being able to predict the therapeutic benefit of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) would be of great benefit and a stepping stone towards personalized medicine. Here the authors use machine learning and lipid mediator mass spectrometry to show specialized pro-resolving mediators are indicative of DMARD responsiveness among rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Esteban A. Gomez
- , Romain A. Colas
- & Jesmond Dalli