Update on Fatty Acids and the Brain

Dear colleagues,

It has been known for more than a century that the brain is rich in lipids representing 50-60% of the dry weight. Lipids play a fundamental role in the critical structural development of the brain, with an uneven distribution throughout the brain regions and cells contributing to dynamic nanodomains. Lipid categories found in the brain include fatty acyls, endocannabinoids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, prenol lipids, and saccharolipids. Amongst these, their fatty acid components, which are often unique in neuronal membranes, deserve mentioning, including phosphatidylserines rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); sphingomyelin, cerebrosides, sulfatides, and gangliosides rich in long-chain saturated and hydroxy-fatty acids; and glycerophospholipids rich in DHA, arachidonic acid, and docosatetraenoic acid. These lipids and their fatty acids contribute to many aspects of brain function and development, having major roles in membrane structure (order), in membrane receptor function, and as precursors of specialised lipid mediators. Recent developments in analysis has enhanced the progress in understanding the localisation of more than 10,000 lipid molecular species. There is still much multi-disciplinary work required to unravel the roles of these important biological molecules in areas such as brain development, mood disorders, and the ageing brain.

This Special Issue encourages the submission of original research articles on methodological developments, meta-analyses, and reviews of scientific literature relevant to human health and disease.

Dr. Andrew J. Sinclair
Guest Editor

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