Lipids hold it all together
Arguably, life on this planet began in earnest with the appearance of lipid-like molecules that could encapsulate and concentrate the critical biochemical reactions that formed a primordial cell. This property of lipids to self-associate into the membranes that compartmentalize a cell and its organelles is indeed essential, but it’s just one aspect of the many and varied roles played by these versatile molecules. In addition to structural roles, lipids are integrated into signaling pathways that control such activities as cell survival, differentiation, motility and immune responses.
Submit an abstract
Abstract submission begins Sept. 14. If you submit by Oct. 12, you'll get a decision by Nov. 1. The regular submission deadline is Nov. 30. See the categories.
The eclectic functions of lipids are due to their structural diversity built into a common framework, resulting in hundreds of distinct species. It is the metabolism of lipids, their biosynthesis and degradation, that ultimately creates this diversity.
Our symposium at Discover BMB will highlight recent advances in lipid metabolism by exploring where and how lipids are made in cells, their contributions to cell survival and the impact of lipid diversity on cell and membrane function.
Keywords: Ferroptosis, lipid droplets, lipidomics, mitochondria, nucleus, plasma membrane.
Who should attend: The session will be attractive to those wanting an initiation to the field of lipid metabolism as well as those with a focused interest in specific topics.
Theme song: “Fat Dance” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, in appreciation of greasy molecules everywhere.
The session is powered by the seemingly endless and unexpected biological functions of lipids.
Lipid metabolism
Cellular topology of lipid metabolism
Neale Ridgway, Dalhousie University
Miriam Greenburg, Wayne State University
Greg Fairn, Dalhousie University
Shirin Bahmanyar, Yale University
Lipid quality control in cell survival and death
James Olzmann, University of California, Berkeley
G. Ekin Atilla–Gokcumen, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York
Toni Petan, Jozef Stefan Institute
Maria Fedorova, Technical University Dresden
Spatial lipidomics — tracing lipids in cells at the molecular level
Theodore Alexandrov, European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Kandice Levental, University of Virginia
Arun Radhakrishnan, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
The data that did not fit
Brent Stockwell’s perseverance and work on the small molecule erastin led to the identification of ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death with implications for cancer, neurodegeneration and infection.
Building a career in nutrition across continents
Driven by past women in science, Kazi Sarjana Safain left Bangladesh and pursued a scientific career in the U.S.
Avoiding common figure errors in manuscript submissions
The three figure issues most often flagged during JBC’s data integrity review are background signal errors, image reuse and undeclared splicing errors. Learn how to avoid these and prevent mistakes that could impede publication.
Ragweed compound thwarts aggressive bladder and breast cancers
Scientists from the University of Michigan reveal the mechanism of action of ambrosin, a compound from ragweed, selectively attacks advanced bladder and breast cancer cells in cell-based models, highlighting its potential to treat advanced tumors.
Lipid-lowering therapies could help treat IBD
Genetic evidence shows that drugs that reduce cholesterol or triglyceride levels can either raise or lower inflammatory bowel disease risk by altering gut microbes and immune signaling.
Key regulator of cholesterol protects against Alzheimer’s disease
A new study identifies oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 6 as a central controller of brain cholesterol balance, with protective effects against Alzheimer’s-related neurodegeneration.