Lipids

Lipids and their metabolism play a crucial role in the physiology of cells, tissues, and organs. Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic or amphiphilic compounds that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents and insoluble in water. There are eight major categories of lipids based on their physical properties, such as solubility and polarity: fatty acids and acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids (GPLs), sphingolipids, sterol lipids, prenol lipids, saccharolipids, and polyketides. These molecules provide structure to cellular membranes, store energy, and are vital in cell signaling and in regulating cell functions.

Many inherited metabolic diseases are caused by defects in lipid metabolism. Lipid metabolism disorders often result from a harmful accumulation of unusual lipids in the blood and tissues of affected patients that can lead to damage in cells. The correct identification of these lipids is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Lipidomics research, a sub-discipline of metabolomics research, involves the profiling, identification and quantification of lipids within a biological source, and their interactions with other cellular components.