Current Status and Future Perspectives on Lipid Biology and Beyond

Dear Colleagues,

There are enormous discoveries in lipid biology, thanks to the development of lipidomics and "the large-scale study of pathways of cellular lipids in biological systems”. This has clarified the regulatory mechanisms of lipids and facilitated research on lipid-metabolizing enzymes, as well as the role of lipids in energy metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. Besides their role in energy production and storage, fats also influence processes such as cardiovascular disease, thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and redox status. Authors are invited to submit their original research within and beyond this frame.

• Nuclear or membrane-bound receptors have been identified as omega-3 and omega-6 (polyunsaturated fatty acids) PUFA-specific receptors. However, this field remains underexplored. Omega-3 deals with key metabolic processes like immunomodulation, regulation of inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. Omega-3 has enormous positive functions in the organism. The potential therapeutic use of these fatty acids in disease treatment is an active area of research. Overall, this is an immensely intriguing field, marked by uncertainties.
• Omega-6 PUFAs are significant because there is no scientific consensus regarding their beneficial or harmful effects on human health. Examples include omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may play a role in resolving certain inflammatory processes, while some authors consider linoleic acid as a proinflammatory FA.
• Oxylipins are bioactive lipid mediators derived from PUFA via enzymatic or non-enzymatic pathways in all aerobic organisms. This broad group of molecules encompasses well-known families, including prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxins, as well as specialized pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, along with isoprostanes and several smaller subclasses. Their effects—pro or anti-inflammatory—depend on the PUFA source and production pathway. Oxylipins regulate inflammation and homeostasis, but many of their specific roles, especially within certain subclasses, remain unclear, underscoring the need for further study.
• Lipid peroxidation is linked to cancer development, representing another important aspect to reconsider. A new marker for cancer biogenesis could be endogenously synthesized oleic acid (monounsaturated FA) (MUFA), though more data is needed. Some lipids could be used as markers of cancer emergence (plasma lipid species as promising diagnostic markers for prostate cancer, cancer-associated glycosphingolipids as tumor markers, and a combination of serum lipids and cancer antigens as a novel marker for the diagnosis of colon cancers). Emerging therapies, such as lipid nanoparticle synthesis, show promise for targeted drug delivery and disease resolution. A lot to think about.
• Future research aims to create personalized lipid-based therapies by gaining a profound understanding of lipid interplay with different cellular components. The essential is to study lipids within a modern interdisciplinary scientific framework, integrating insights from multiple fields to decipher their many vital functions in biology.
• There are many themes to explore. We provided some examples to inspire you, but you are also welcome to submit your original research or comprehensive review articles within this broad area.

Dr. Jasmina Debeljak Martacic
Dr. Slavica Ranković
Guest Editors

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• lipids
• fatty acids (FAs)
• omega-3 (FA)
• omega-6 (FA)
• cancer
• cell biology
• oxylipins
• oxidative stress
• lipidomics
• lipid nanoparticles
• personalized lipid-based therapies