This book combines the current knowledge on the role of lipids in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. It showcases various approaches to the study of lipids and focuses on various types of stem cells and specific lipids driving maintenance or differentiation. The volume includes chapters reviewing roles of specific lipids in pluripotency, neurogenesis and exocytosis as well as in cancer stem cells. Examples of different classes of lipids-such as sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, cannabinoids and neutral lipids-are described and illustrate the vast biological effects of this class of molecules. The international contributors are all recognized experts in their respective fields. Covering the various aspects of the topic, Lipidomics of Stem Cells provides an up-to-date snapshot-unique among the literature-of where the lipid world is in terms of understanding the roles of lipids in stem cell biology. It provides an essential reference for stem cell biologists, lipid biologists, development biologists, students, academics and clinicians in related areas.

This fully updated edition explores methods involving sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lysophospholipid which has become the focus of much research interest as it has widespread developmental and physio-pathological actions, controlling events within the nervous, reproductive, gastrointestinal, vascular, respiratory, and immune systems, in addition to having a prominent role in cancer, early mammalian embryogenesis, and stem cells. Here, worldwide experts in the S1P field describe in-depth techniques in an array of cell types and with various physiological applications, showcasing the important effects of S1P in development and in physiopathology. As a volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the relevant materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and timely, Sphingosine-1-Phosphate: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is another key resource for scientists working in this fast-moving and dynamic field.

This book combines the current knowledge on the role of lipids in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. It showcases various approaches to the study of lipids and focuses on various types of stem cells and specific lipids driving maintenance or differentiation. The volume includes chapters reviewing roles of specific lipids in pluripotency, neurogenesis and exocytosis as well as in cancer stem cells. Examples of different classes of lipids-such as sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, cannabinoids and neutral lipids-are described and illustrate the vast biological effects of this class of molecules. The international contributors are all recognized experts in their respective fields. Covering the various aspects of the topic, Lipidomics of Stem Cells provides an up-to-date snapshot-unique among the literature-of where the lipid world is in terms of understanding the roles of lipids in stem cell biology. It provides an essential reference for stem cell biologists, lipid biologists, development biologists, students, academics and clinicians in related areas.

This book summarizes the most recent progress in the studies of lipid mediators from the molecular to clinical level and introduces newly created tools for analysis including imaging mass spectrometry. Comprising 29 chapters divided into four major parts, the book describes the molecular natures of enzymes, transporters, and receptors for lipid mediators (Part I), the function of lipid mediators in Drosophila and Zebrafish (Part II), the relationships between lipid mediators and various diseases (Part III), and detailed procedures of extraction, preparation, and quantification of lipid mediators (Part IV). Research on lipid mediators initially started with analysis of the action of aspirin, and subsequent biochemical experiments identified many enzymes and receptors responsible for the biosynthesis and signal transduction of individual lipid mediators. Through the phenotypic analyses of transgenic and knockout mice, it has been shown that the dysregulation of some lipid mediators causes inflammatory, immune, or oncogenic disorders. Lipid mediators have attracted increased attention because their structures are conserved among different species, and their biosynthetic and signaling pathways have been deciphered at the molecular level. Many drugs that target lipid mediators are already being used in hospitals, and this book suggests further possibilities for development of a wide variety of such drugs. Very recently, highly sensitive mass spectrometry has begun to be used to identify novel lipid mediators that are present only in trace amounts in tissues but with robust biological activity. Written by international experts, this book provides readers a comprehensive view of lipid mediators and related topics and helps in the process of determining research targets for the near future.

This book correlates different minerals and lipids serum profiles with the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders in South Asian countries with special emphasis on Pakistan. Cardiovascular disorders (CVD, e.g. coronary heart diseases, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, angina, heart failure and deep vein thrombosis) show significantly increasing rates in South Asian countries like Pakistan and have become a major health problem. Nevertheless, the data on any aspect of cardiovascular problems still is scanty. The serum profiles of different minerals (copper, magnesium, zinc, selenium) and lipids are analyzed in detail. The presented data will thus lead to a better understanding of the problem and help to provide possible solutions, which can be achieved, e.g. through ameliorated minerals profiles in the daily diet. These results can help develop better dietary management strategies in the prevention and treatment of CVD.

In recent years, scientific evidence supporting the relationship between diet and health has emerged. This has led to a growing interest in full and healthy food habits, in which fruits and vegetables are abundant (particularly in the Mediterranean diet) and act as sources of natural antioxidants as well as play major roles in preventing certain diseases. It is estimated that 80% of cardiovascular disease, 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases and one third of cancerous processes, could be avoided including changes in lifestyle and diet improvements. Specifically, the increment on scientific reports relating the intake of antioxidant compounds and the maintenance of health has increased noticeably. The importance of dietary antioxidants lies in its ability to preserve foods containing them, and to perform the in vivo contribution of natural antioxidants. There are several scientific studies demonstrating the positive effect of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants against degenerative diseases, various cancers and diseases related to aging caused by oxidative attacks. Lipid peroxidation is thought to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases and in the process of ageing, but its measurement in vivo has been difficult. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate methods for measurement of lipid peroxidation in vivo that are suitable for clinical investigations, and to apply these methods in animal and human studies investigating basal conditions and situations associated with increased lipid peroxidation. Over the course of the past 25 years, more than 3800 articles have been published in the field of IsoP research by numerous investigators around the world. Numerous excellent reviews have been written describing the formation, chemical synthesis, and biological activities of IsoPs, as well as their potential use as biomarkers of diseases. This review will provide a brief historical perspective on the discovery of IsoPs with its primary focus on recent clinical research in the field. In conclusion, the simultaneous measurement of several biomarkers of lipid peroxidation is a promising approach for future studies investigating the possible role of lipid peroxidation in vivo under basal conditions and in the pathology of diseases.

Lipids and Skin Health is the first effort to summarize and review the studies, ideas, and research that link lipid metabolism to the largest organ of our body, the skin.  The book covers the fundamental biology of the skin, and the major involvement of the transcriptional factors that govern lipid synthesis and the bioactive lipids in this intriguing organ. All layers of skin are presented, as well as their relevant lipids from the epidermis to dermis and even to the hypodermis. The important and unique-to-skin biological pathways are laid out, with a special focus on the various models that demonstrate the essential role of lipid synthesis in skin pathophysiology. The use of lipids in the cosmetic industry is emphasized, and last but not least the involvement of lipids in the clinical setting is also discussed.  This book will appeal to healthcare professionals, researchers and dermatology professionals, and will help them to brainstorm new products and opportunities that will target the emerging importance of lipid metabolism in skin for acne, aging, and healthy skin. Apostolos Pappas, Ph.D., is a professional member of the Institute of Food Technology. He started his professional career as a research biochemist in the Skin Research Center of Johnson & Johnson and later served as a group leader at Munich Biotech, where he worked on cancer research. Thereafter he returned to Johnson & Johnson, where he is currently a Research Manager and Fellow focusing on lipid metabolism research. He has authored numerous scientific publications, patent applications, and books.

This volume focuses on recent advances in the biochemical and molecular analysis of different families of phospholipases in plants and their roles in signaling plant growth, development and responses to abiotic and biotic cues. The hydrolysis of membrane lipids by phospholipases produces different classes of lipid mediators, including phosphatidic acid, diacylglycerol, lysophospholipids, free fatty acids and oxylipins. Phospholipases are grouped into different families and subfamilies according to their site of hydrolysis, substrate usage and sequence similarities. Activating one or more of these enzymes often constitutes an early, critical step in many regulatory processes, such as signal transduction, vesicular trafficking, secretion and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Lipid-based signaling plays pivotal roles in plant stress responses, cell size, shape, growth, apoptosis, proliferation, and reproduction.

This volume expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed protocols for investigating membranes and their component lipids in artificial membranes, cells, and in silico. Chapters focus on properties of the component lipids, membranes and their biophysical properties, fluorescent probes for studying membranes, sample preparation, physical techniques to study membrane composition, properties , and function, behavior of cholesterol within a bilayer and examination of cholesterol-dependent phase separation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Methods in Membrane Lipids, Second Edition seeks to aid scientist in further study into membrane lipids.

Efforts to describe and model the molecular structure of biological membranes go back to the beginning of the last century. In 1917, Langmuir described membranes as a layer of lipids one molecule thick [1]. Eight years later, Gorter and Grendel concluded from their studies that "the phospholipid molecules that formed the cell membrane were arranged in two layers to form a lipid bilayer" [2]. Danielli and Robertson proposed, in 1935, a model in which the bilayer of lipids is sequestered between two monolayers of unfolded proteins [3], and the currently still accepted fuid mosaic model was proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972 [4]. Among those landmarks of biomembrane history, a serendipitous observation made by Alex Bangham during the early 1960s deserves undoubtedly a special place. His fnding that exposure of dry phospholipids to an excess of water gives rise to lamellar structures [5] has opened versatile experimental access to studying the biophysics and biochemistry of biological phospholipid membranes. Although during the following 4 decades biological membrane models have grown in complexity and functionality [6], liposomes are, besides supported bilayers, membrane nanodiscs, and hybrid membranes, still an indisputably important tool for membrane b- physicists and biochemists. In vol. II of this book, the reader will fnd detailed methods for the use of liposomes in studying a variety of biochemical and biophysical membrane phenomena concomitant with chapters describing a great palette of state-of-the-art analytical technologies.

In this second edition methods are described to measure the synthesis of lipids such as the phosphoinositides, ceramides and sphingomyelin, as well as techniques to molecularly characterize the various kinases and phosphatases that regulate the intracellular metabolism of these lipids. Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition guides readers through detailed experimental protocols, which are complimented by review chapters that highlight the technical considerations, challenges and potential pitfalls associated with using these laboratory-based approaches. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Eicosanoids are a diverse group of biologically active molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors. This volume draws together for the first time a series of overviews on the biosynthesis and functional significance of these and related compounds in a wide range of animals, plants, and micro-organisms. All chapters are written by recognized experts in their fields, and many make use of significant amounts of unpublished materials. This volume is aimed at advanced undergraduates and at researchers interested in lipid biochemistry and general plant and animal biology. Originally published in 1999. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

The present book gives a multi-disciplinary perspective on the physics of life and the particular role played by lipids (fats) and the lipid-bilayer component of cell membranes. The emphasis is on the physical properties of lipid membranes seen as soft and molecularly structured interfaces. By combining and synthesizing insights obtained from a variety of recent studies, an attempt is made to clarify what membrane structure is and how it can be quantitatively described. Furthermore, it is shown how biological function mediated by membranes is controlled by lipid membrane structure and organization on length scales ranging from the size of the individual molecule, across molecular assemblies of proteins and lipid domains in the range of nanometers, to the size of whole cells. Applications of lipids in nanotechnology and biomedicine are also described. The first edition of the present book was published in 2005 when lipidomics was still very much an emerging science and lipids about to be recognized as being as important for life as proteins, sugars, and genes. This significantly expanded and revised edition takes into account the tremendous amount of knowledge gained over the past decade. In addition, the book now includes more tutorial material on the biochemistry of lipids and the principles of lipid self-assembly. The book is aimed at undergraduate students and young research workers within physics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, as well as pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. From the reviews of the first edition: "This is a highly interesting book and a pleasure to read. It represents a new and excellent pedagogical introduction to the field of lipids and the biophysics of biological membranes. I reckon that physicists and chemists as well as biologists will benefit from this approach to the field and Mouritsen shows a deep insight into the physical chemistry of lipids." (Goeran Lindblom, Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 2005, vol. 135, page 105-106) "The book takes the reader on an exciting journey through the lipid world, and Mouritsen attracts the attention with a lively style of writing ... . a comprehensive view of the 'lipid sea' can be easily achieved, gaining the right perspectives for envisaging future developments in the nascent field of lipidomics." (Carla Ferreri, ChemBioChem, Vol. 6 (8), 2005)

As scientist begin to understand the complexity of lipid signaling and its roles in plant biology, there is an increasing interest in their analysis. Due to the low abundancy and transient nature of some of these hydrophobic compounds, this is not always easy. In Plant Lipid Signaling Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail experimental approaches by which plant signaling lipids can be studied. These methods and techniques include analysis of plant signaling lipids, including detailed protocols to detect various relevant compounds by targeted or non-targeted approaches; to assay relevant enzyme activities in biological material or using recombinant enzymes; to test for specific binding of signaling lipids to protein partners; or to visualize signaling lipids or lipid-derived signals in living plant cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Plant Lipid Signaling Protocols aids plant researchers in the continuing to study the roles of lipid signals.

In this second edition methods are described to measure the synthesis of lipids such as the phosphoinositides, ceramides and sphingomyelin, as well as techniques to molecularly characterize the various kinases and phosphatases that regulate the intracellular metabolism of these lipids. Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition guides readers through detailed experimental protocols, which are complimented by review chapters that highlight the technical considerations, challenges and potential pitfalls associated with using these laboratory-based approaches. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Obesity and diabetes develop as a complex result of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors and are characterized by increased lipogenesis and lipid accumulation in many tissues. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes are a critical regulator of lipogenesis and catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), mainly oleoyl- (18:1n9) and palmitoleoyl-CoA (16:1n7). These MUFAs are the major fatty acid substrates for the synthesis of triglycerides, cholesterol esters, wax esters and membrane phospholipids. There are 4 SCD isoforms (SCD1-4) in mice and two (hSCD1 and hSCD5) expressed in humans. At first glance, stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme would be considered a housekeeping enzyme because it synthesizes oleate a well-known fatty acid that is abundant in many dietary sources. However numerous studies have shown that SCD is a very highly regulated enzyme that features in so many physiological processes ranging from fat differentiation, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, inflammation and cancer. The editor's studies using stearoyl-CoA desaturase knockout (SCD1-/-) mice and studies of other investigators using pharmacological approaches to reduce SCD1 expression in mouse tissues have all established that the expression of SCD1 gene isoform represents a key step in partitioning of lipids between storage and oxidation. High SCD expression favors fat storage leading to obesity while reduced SCD expression favors fat burning and leanness. Although these studies clearly illustrated that SCD1 expression is involved in the development of obesity and insulin resistance, questions remain in the elucidation of the mechanisms involved and role of SCD1. This book includes chapters by leading researchers on SCD Genes in the brain, heart, muscle, liver metabolism, Colitis, and more.

Presents a multi-disciplinary perspective on the physics of life and the particular role played by lipids and the lipid-bilayer component of cell membranes. Emphasizes the physical properties of lipid membranes seen as soft and molecularly structured interfaces. By combining and synthesizing insights obtained from a variety of recent studies, an attempt is made to clarify what membrane structure is and how it can be quantitatively described. Shows how biological function mediated by membranes is controlled by lipid membrane structure and organization on length scales ranging from the size of the individual molecule, across molecular assemblies of proteins and lipid domains in the range of nanometers, to the size of whole cells. Applications of lipids in nano-technology and biomedicine are also described.

Recent studies have shown that cells from adipose tissue are capable of trafficking to tumors, thus enabling paracrine action of adipokines from within the tumor microenvironment. Increased tumor vascularization, immune system suppression and direct effects on malignant cell survival and proliferation have been investigated as mechanisms regulated by adipokines. The goal of this book is to discuss data pointing to the role of adipose tissue in cancer and to dissect individual mechanisms through which adipose tissue excess or restriction could influence cancer progression.

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells with an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book provides insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of sphingolipids and in particular its derivative ceramide. The function of Sphingolipids in cell signaling with regard to infectious and lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders are described and treated in distinct parts. Together with Volume 215 from the same Editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on Sphingolipids, providing information on both: Sphingolipid basic biology as well as its important function in a (patho)physiological context. The book is written for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease.

Biochemistry of Lipids: Lipoproteins and Membranes, Volume Six, contains concise chapters that cover a wide spectrum of topics in the field of lipid biochemistry and cell biology. It provides an important bridge between broad-based biochemistry textbooks and more technical research publications, offering cohesive, foundational information. It is a valuable tool for advanced graduate students and researchers who are interested in exploring lipid biology in more detail, and includes overviews of lipid biology in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, while also providing fundamental background on the subsequent descriptions of fatty acid synthesis, desaturation and elongation, and the pathways that lead the synthesis of complex phospholipids, sphingolipids, and their structural variants. Also covered are sections on how bioactive lipids are involved in cell signaling with an emphasis on disease implications and pathological consequences.

Phosphoinositides play a major role in cellular signaling and membrane organization. During the last three decades we have learned that enzymes turning over phosphoinositides control vital physiological processes and are involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic disease and more. In two volumes, this book elucidates the crucial mechanisms that control the dynamics of phosphoinositide conversion. Starting out from phosphatidylinositol, a chain of lipid kinases collaborates to generate the oncogenic lipid phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate. For every phosphate group added, there are specific lipid kinases - and phosphatases to remove it. Additionally, phospholipases can cleave off the inositol head group and generate poly-phosphoinositols, which act as soluble signals in the cytosol. Volume II extends into the role of phosphoinositides in membrane organization and vesicular traffic. Endocytosis and exocytosis are modulated by phosphoinositides, which determine the fate and activity of integral membrane proteins. Phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate is a prominent flag in the plasma membrane, while phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate decorates early endosomes. The Golgi apparatus is rich in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, stressed cells increase phosphatidylinositol(3,5)-bisphosphate, and the nucleus has a phosphoinositide metabolism of its own. Phosphoinositide-dependent signaling cascades and the spatial organization of distinct phosphoinositide species are required in organelle function, fission and fusion, membrane channel regulation, cytoskeletal rearrangements, adhesion processes, and thus orchestrate complex cellular responses including growth, proliferation, differentiation, cell motility, and cell polarization.

For years lipids have fascinated cell biologists and biochemists due to their profound effects on cell function. "Cellular Lipid Metabolism" highlights new concepts and recent findings, but also reviews important discoveries made in the past. Outstanding international experts contribute 13 chapters on the genetics, molecular and cell biology of lipids. Presenting analyses at the molecular level they reveal the principles by which cellular lipid metabolism functions. Further, numerous intriguing observations that cannot yet be explained are identified, stimulating the readers to future studies. This book provides an invaluable source of information for biomedical researchers in energy metabolism, vascular biology, endocrinology and lipidology.

The scientific advances in the physiology and pathophysiology of adipose tissue over the last two decades have been considerable. Today, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis are well known. In addition, adipose tissue is now recognized as a real endocrine organ that produces hormones such as the leptin acting to regulate food intake and energy balance in the central nervous system, a finding that has completely revolutionized the paradigm of energy homeostasis. Other adipokines have now been described and these molecules are taking on increasing importance in physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, numerous works have shown that in obesity, but also in cases of lipodystophy, adipose tissue was the site of a local low-grade inflammation that involves immune cells such as macrophages and certain populations of lymphocytes. This new information is an important step in the pathophysiology of both obesity and related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Finally, it is a unique and original work focusing on adipose tissue, covering biology and pathology by investigating aspects of molecular and cellular biology, general, metabolic, genetic and genomic biochemistry.

Lipid Signaling Protocols assembles in a single volume the various tools and methodologies needed by the interested investigator to unravel lipid dependent signaling and cell function. Divided into two convenient sections, the volume begins by summarizing the physical properties of hydrophobic metabolites as well as the physical methodologies used for their analysis, which leads to the second section and its selection of biological methods, focused around the most relevant lipids, their corresponding metabolizing enzymes and the recognition proteins. Following the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters provide readily reproducible laboratory protocols, lists of necessary materials and reagents, and the tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Contributed to by top researchers in the field, Lipid Signaling Protocols is an essential resource for both experienced and novice researchers who desire a better understanding of the application of physical methodologies in the context of lipid signaling and lipid metabolism in cell biology.

This volume expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed protocols for investigating membranes and their component lipids in artificial membranes, cells, and in silico. Chapters focus on properties of the component lipids, membranes and their biophysical properties, fluorescent probes for studying membranes, sample preparation, physical techniques to study membrane composition, properties , and function, behavior of cholesterol within a bilayer and examination of cholesterol-dependent phase separation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Methods in Membrane Lipids, Second Edition seeks to aid scientist in further study into membrane lipids.