We works on a group of genetic diseases, the sphingolipidoses, characterized by the lysosomal storage of sphingolipids due to the defective activities of sphingolipid hydrolases or of their physiological activators. In particular, we have investigated the alterations in glucosylceramide catabolism in Niemann Pick disease type C. We have shown that the storage of cholesterol in Niemann Pick type C modulates the level and subcellular localization of glucosylceramidase affecting in this way the glucosylceramide degradation (Salvioli et al., J.Biol. Chem. 279, 17674-17680, 2004). Moreover, we have shown that the glucosylceramidase N370S mutation, the most common mutation in Gaucher disease, affects the capacity of the enzyme to interact with anionic phospholipid-containing membranes and saposin C, the main physiological activators of glucosylceramidase (Salvioli et al., Biochem. J., 390, 95-105, 2005). Our work is also focused on the study of the mechanism/s of action of saposins and on their interaction with lipids, especially phospholipids. Actually we have contribute to define the mechanism of action of saposin C (Vaccaro et al.,J.Biol.Chem.,272, 16862-16867,1997, Salvioli et al., FEBS Letters, 472, 1721, 2000), of saposin D (Ciaffoni et al., J. Biol. Chem., 276, 31583-31589, 2001) and of saposin B (Ciaffoni et al., J. Lip. Res., 47, 1045-1053, 2006).
Phosphoinositide metabolism and related diseases. Our expertises include: -- phosphoinositide analysis by standard HPLC, TLC, Lipid binding domain recognition -- PI kinase and phosphatase assays -- inositol phospate and glycerophosphoinositol analysis by HPLC and MS -- metabolism of the phosphoinositides and their metabolites -- Morphological approaches with reference to the LBD (IF, EM, Tomography, FRET, FRAP, Correlative light/EM) Our aim is to set and apply the lipidomic approach to the lipid profiling of cell models of different pathological conditions (Overexpressing or KO for proteins/enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and related diseases) Ongoing projects: The glycerophosphoinositols (GPIs) as modulators of the Rho-family cycle: Our studies have indicated that the GPIs, the cellular derivatives of the phosphoinositides, are modulators of actin cytoskeleton assembly through an action on the Rho GTPases (Corda et al., 2002, Mancini et al., 2003). These compounds have thus become the focus of further studies aimed at elucidating their mechanism of action (Mariggiò et al, 2006) and at exploiting them as potential leads for drug development in actin-related diseases (Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked mental retardation due to defect in PIX, common variable immunodeficiency). Diseases due to defects in the PI phosphatases: OCRL-1, MTM1 and MTMR2 (Lowe Syndrome, Myotubular Myopathy, and Type 4B Charcot-Marie-Tooth). The aim of our project is to identify and validate the enzymes controlling the PI cycle as pharmacological targets, the activities of which can be modulated by inhibitors and/or activators to re-establish the correct balance between the PIs pools in the above-mentioned conditions in which this balance has been compromised by the lack or deregulation of the PIPtases. A similar approach is currently being undertaken in the case of the deregulation of PI 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which occurs in cancer, thrombotic diseases, inflammation and diabetes. Other projects involving aspects of the lipid metabolism are: -role of PLA2 in membrane traffic -mechanism of membrane fissioning mediated by the protein BARS -Regulation of lipid metabolism by LXR and FXR nuclear receptor and relevance in the development of colon cancer
Phosphoinositide metabolism and related diseases. Our expertises include: -- phosphoinositide analysis by standard HPLC, TLC, Lipid binding domain recognition -- PI kinase and phosphatase assays -- inositol phospate and glycerophosphoinositol analysis by HPLC and MS -- metabolism of the phosphoinositides and their metabolites -- Morphological approaches with reference to the LBD (IF, EM, Tomography, FRET, FRAP, Correlative light/EM) Our aim is to set and apply the lipidomic approach to the lipid profiling of cell models of different pathological conditions (Overexpressing or KO for proteins/enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and related diseases) Ongoing projects: The glycerophosphoinositols (GPIs) as modulators of the Rho-family cycle: Our studies have indicated that the GPIs, the cellular derivatives of the phosphoinositides, are modulators of actin cytoskeleton assembly through an action on the Rho GTPases (Corda et al., 2002, Mancini et al., 2003). These compounds have thus become the focus of further studies aimed at elucidating their mechanism of action (Mariggiò et al, 2006) and at exploiting them as potential leads for drug development in actin-related diseases (Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked mental retardation due to defect in PIX, common variable immunodeficiency). Diseases due to defects in the PI phosphatases: OCRL-1, MTM1 and MTMR2 (Lowe Syndrome, Myotubular Myopathy, and Type 4B Charcot-Marie-Tooth). The aim of our project is to identify and validate the enzymes controlling the PI cycle as pharmacological targets, the activities of which can be modulated by inhibitors and/or activators to re-establish the correct balance between the PIs pools in the above-mentioned conditions in which this balance has been compromised by the lack or deregulation of the PIPtases. A similar approach is currently being undertaken in the case of the deregulation of PI 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which occurs in cancer, thrombotic diseases, inflammation and diabetes. Other projects involving aspects of the lipid metabolism are: -role of PLA2 in membrane traffic -mechanism of membrane fissioning mediated by the protein BARS -Regulation of lipid metabolism by LXR and FXR nuclear receptor and relevance in the development of colon cancer
scientific
Biochemistry group
University Milano-Bicocca
++39-02-6448-8203
20052
Monza
Via Cadore, 48
Italy
Alzheimer, Lipid rafts, signal transduction
Lipids and neurodegenerative diseases Lipid rafts and disease Lipid rafts and signal transduction Lipid-protein interaction
scientific
Department of Experimental Medicine
University Milano-Bicocca
++39-02-6448-8203
20052
Monza
Via Cadore, 48
Italy
Alzheimer, Lipid rafts, signal transduction
Lipids and neurodegenerative diseases Lipid-protein interaction Lipid rafts and signal transduction Lipid rafts and disease
Sphingosine 1-phosphate and its mechanism of action. Regulation of cellular sphingosine 1-phosphate content. Functional role of membrane lipid microdomains in sphingosine 1-phosphate production and signalling.
We have demonstrated that a phospholipid cellular fraction is associated with chromatin. The presence, described by histochemical and biochemical techniques, is not due to membrane contaminations. The chromatin phospholipid fraction (CPF) can be considered a chromatin minor component. The CPF differ from that of microsomes and nuclear membranes as regard composition and turnover and changes in relation to hepatocyte maturation and proliferation. The main modifications, evident in several cellular functions, regard principally phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) that are metabolised directly in the nuclei in a very short time with a fine modulation of the enzimatic activities, regulated by PLs. The presence of a complex of base exchange enzymes for PC synthesis, a neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase), a sphingomyelin-synthase (SM-synthase), a phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and a sphingomyelin-synthase-reverse (SM-synthase-reverse), which synthesises PC from SM have been demonstrated. These enzymes differ for pH and Km optima from those present in nuclear membranes, suggesting the possible existence of different isoforms. These results strongly support the presence of a metabolic machinery in the chromatin which probably is regulated in relation to cellular function. The PC-PLC and SM-synthase enrich the intranuclear pool of diacylglicerol (DAG), whereas the N-SMase and SM-synthase-reverse enrich the intranuclear pool of ceramide. DAG and ceramide are know as second messengers which play an important role in different physiological conditions, acting as a stimulating (DAG) and inhibitory factor (ceramide) of protein kinase C (PKC) The hypothesis has been made that the lipid messenger can favour the nuclear molecular events which precede DNA synthesis in liver regeneration. The results show that the DAG pool increases at the beginning of S phase, whereas the ceramide pool later increases. In the erythroleukemic cells, treated with DMSO and/or D3 vitamin, the N-SMase activity increases during the apoptotic process, whereas PC-PLC activity increases during cell differentiation. It will be interesting to know if DAG and ceramide, produced directly in chromatin, can play a role in cellular functions. 1. Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Chromatin phospholipids and DNA synthesis in hepatic cells". Bas. Appl. Histochem. 29, 253-259, 1985. I.F. 1.041 2. .Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Phospholipids in chromatin: incorporation of 32PO24 in different subcellular fraction of hepatocytes" Cell Biochem. and Function 4, 283-288, 1986. I.F. 1.452 3. Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Synthesis of chromatin phospholipids" Bas. Appl. Histochem. 31, 355-364, 1987. I.F. 1.041 4. Albi E., Viola Magni M.P. and Gahan P.B. "Age-related changes in chromatin phospholipid fraction" The liver, metabolism and ageing, Eurage 13,189-188, 1989. 5. Gahan P.B., Albi E. and Viola Magni M.P. "Changes with age in phospholipid composition of rat liver cell nuclei and nuclear envelopes". Drug metabolism, liver injury and ageing, Eurage, 16, 229-236, 1991. 6. Albi E., Viola Magni M.P., Lazzarini R. and Gahan P.B. "Chromatin phospholipid changes during rat liver development" Cell Biochem. and Function 9, 119-123, 1991. 1.452. I.F. 1.452 7. Albi E. "Presenza e ruolo dei fosfolipidi nella cromatina" Tesi di Dottorato in Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare. 1991. 8. Fraschini A., Albi E., Gahan P.B. and Viola Magni M.P. "Tem cytochemical study of the localization of phospholipids in interphase chromatin in rat hepatocytes" Histochemistry 97, 225-235, 1992. I.F 9. Albi E. , Mersel M., Leray C., Tomassoni M.L. and Viola-Magni M.P. Rat Liver Chromatin Phospholipids" Lipids 29, 715-719- 1994. I.F. 2.164 10. Albi E., Micheli M., Viola-Magni M.P. "Phospholipids and nuclear RNA" Cell Biol. Intern. 20, 6, 1996. I.F. 1.092 11. Albi E., Viola-Magni M.P. "Choline base exchange activity in rat hepatocyte nuclei and nuclear membrane" Cell Biol.Intern 21, 217-221, 1997. I.F. 1.092 12. Albi E., Tomassoni M.L., Viola-Magni M.P. "Effect of lipid composition on rat liver nuclear membrane fluidity" Cell Biochem. and Funct, 15, 181-190, 1997. I.F. 1.452 13. Albi, E. and Viola Magni, M.P. "Chromatin neutral spingomyelinase and its role in hepatic regeneration. Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 236, 29-33, 1997. I.F. 2.836 14. Micheli,M., Albi,E, Leray,C., and Viola Magni,M.P. "Nuclear sphingomyelin protects RNA from RNase action" FEBS Letters 431, 443-447, 1998. I.F. 3.609 15. Tomassoni,M.L., Albi,E., and Viola Magni,M.P. Changes of nuclear membrane fluidity during rat liver regeneration Biochem. Mol. Biol. Intern. 47, 1049-1059, 1999. 16. Albi,E., Peloso,I., and Viola Magni,M.P. Nuclear Membrane Sphingomyelin-Cholesterol Changes in Rat Liver after Hepatectomy Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 262, 692-695, 1999. I.F. 2.836 17. Albi,E., Viola Magni,M.P. Sphingomyelin-Synthase in Rat Liver Nuclear Membrane and Chromatin FEBS Letters 460, 369-372, 1999. I.F. 3.609 18. Albi,E., and Viola Magni,M.P. Phosphatidylcholine-Dependent Phospholipase C in Rat Liver Chromatin Biochem.Biophys.Res.Commun. 265, 640-643, 1999. I.F. 2.836 19. Albi,E., Viola Magni,M.P. The presence and the role of chromatin cholesterol in rat liver regeneration Journal of Hepatology 36, 395-400, 2002. I.F. 5.285 20. Caso,V., Panarelli,P., Albi,E., Viola-Magni,M.P., Parnetti,L., Gallai,V. Phospholipid autoantibodies: time for a new immuno-assay? Clin Exp Hypertens. 24: 511-516, 2002. I.F. 0.816 21. Panarelli,P., Viola-Magni,M.P., and Albi E. Antiphosphatidylinositol antibody in deep venous thrombosis patients Int.J. Immunopath. Pharm. 2003, 16: 61-6. I.F. 3.927 22. Albi,E., Cataldi,S., Rossi,G., and Viola Magni,M.P. A possible role of cholesterol-sphingomyelin/phosphatidylcholine in nuclear matrix during rat liver regeneration. J. Hepatology 2003, 38: 623-8. I.F. 5.283 23. Albi,E., Pieroni,S., Viola Magni,M.P., and Sartori,C Chromatin sphingomyelin changes in cell proliferation and/or apoptosis induced by ciprofibrate. J. Cell Physiol. 2003, 196:354-61. I.F. 5.436 24. Valeria Caso, Lucilla Parnetti, Paolo Panarelli, Maria Pia Viola Magni, MD, Virgilio Gallai, Elisabetta Albi Selection of Thrombogenetic Antiphospholipid Antibodies In Cerebrovascular Disease Patients J.Neurol 2003, 250: 593-597. I.F. 2.778 25. Albi,E., Rossi,G., Maraldi,N.M., Viola Magni,M.P., Cataldi,S., Solimando, L., Zini,N. Involvement of nuclear Phosphatidylinositol-dependent Phospholipases C in cell cycle progression during rat liver J. Cell Physiol. 2003, 197: 181-188. I.F. 5.463 26. Elisabetta Albi, Remo Lazzarini and Mariapia Viola Magni Reverse Sphingomyelin-Synthase in Rat Liver Chromatin FEBS Letters 2003, 549(1-3):152-156. I.F. 3.609 27. Elisabetta Albi, Samuela Cataldi, Mariapia Viola Magni and Claudia Sartori Plasmalogens in rat liver chromatin: new molecules involved in cell proliferation J. Cell Physiol, 2004, 201(3):439-46. I.F. 5.463 28. Elisabetta Albi, Samuela Cataldi, Elisa Bartoccini, Mariapia Viola Magni, Francesca Marini, Francesca Mazzoni, Giuseppe Rainaldi, Monica Evangelisti, Mercedes Garcia-Gil Nuclear sphingomyelin pathway in serum deprivation-induced apoptosis of embryonic hippocampal cells J Cell Physiol, 2005. I.F. 5.463 29. Elisabetta Albi, Caterina AM La Porta , Samuela Cataldi, Mariapia Viola Magni Nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase and protein kinase C delta in melanoma cells Arch. Biochem Biophys, 2005, 438:156-61. I.F. 2.338
scientific
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Physiopathology, University School of Medicine
University of Perugia
++39-075-5729085
06100
Perugia
Policlinico Monteluce, via Brunamonti
Italy
intranuclear lipid, DNA-lipid, RNA-lipid
We have demonstrated that a phospholipid cellular fraction is associated with chromatin. The presence, described by histochemical and biochemical techniques, is not due to membrane contaminations. The chromatin phospholipid fraction (CPF) can be considered a chromatin minor component. The CPF differ from that of microsomes and nuclear membranes as regard composition and turnover and changes in relation to hepatocyte maturation and proliferation. The main modifications, evident in several cellular functions, regard principally phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) that are metabolised directly in the nuclei in a very short time with a fine modulation of the enzimatic activities, regulated by PLs. The presence of a complex of base exchange enzymes for PC synthesis, a neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase), a sphingomyelin-synthase (SM-synthase), a phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and a sphingomyelin-synthase-reverse (SM-synthase-reverse), which synthesises PC from SM have been demonstrated. These enzymes differ for pH and Km optima from those present in nuclear membranes, suggesting the possible existence of different isoforms. These results strongly support the presence of a metabolic machinery in the chromatin which probably is regulated in relation to cellular function. The PC-PLC and SM-synthase enrich the intranuclear pool of diacylglicerol (DAG), whereas the N-SMase and SM-synthase-reverse enrich the intranuclear pool of ceramide. DAG and ceramide are know as second messengers which play an important role in different physiological conditions, acting as a stimulating (DAG) and inhibitory factor (ceramide) of protein kinase C (PKC) The hypothesis has been made that the lipid messenger can favour the nuclear molecular events which precede DNA synthesis in liver regeneration. The results show that the DAG pool increases at the beginning of S phase, whereas the ceramide pool later increases. In the erythroleukemic cells, treated with DMSO and/or D3 vitamin, the N-SMase activity increases during the apoptotic process, whereas PC-PLC activity increases during cell differentiation. It will be interesting to know if DAG and ceramide, produced directly in chromatin, can play a role in cellular functions. 1. Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Chromatin phospholipids and DNA synthesis in hepatic cells". Bas. Appl. Histochem. 29, 253-259, 1985. I.F. 1.041 2. .Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Phospholipids in chromatin: incorporation of 32PO24 in different subcellular fraction of hepatocytes" Cell Biochem. and Function 4, 283-288, 1986. I.F. 1.452 3. Viola Magni M.P., Gahan P.B., Albi E., Iapoce R. and Gentilucci P.F. "Synthesis of chromatin phospholipids" Bas. Appl. Histochem. 31, 355-364, 1987. I.F. 1.041 4. Albi E., Viola Magni M.P. and Gahan P.B. "Age-related changes in chromatin phospholipid fraction" The liver, metabolism and ageing, Eurage 13,189-188, 1989. 5. Gahan P.B., Albi E. and Viola Magni M.P. "Changes with age in phospholipid composition of rat liver cell nuclei and nuclear envelopes". Drug metabolism, liver injury and ageing, Eurage, 16, 229-236, 1991. 6. Albi E., Viola Magni M.P., Lazzarini R. and Gahan P.B. "Chromatin phospholipid changes during rat liver development" Cell Biochem. and Function 9, 119-123, 1991. 1.452. I.F. 1.452 7. Albi E. "Presenza e ruolo dei fosfolipidi nella cromatina" Tesi di Dottorato in Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare. 1991. 8. Fraschini A., Albi E., Gahan P.B. and Viola Magni M.P. "Tem cytochemical study of the localization of phospholipids in interphase chromatin in rat hepatocytes" Histochemistry 97, 225-235, 1992. I.F 9. Albi E. , Mersel M., Leray C., Tomassoni M.L. and Viola-Magni M.P. Rat Liver Chromatin Phospholipids" Lipids 29, 715-719- 1994. I.F. 2.164 10. Albi E., Micheli M., Viola-Magni M.P. "Phospholipids and nuclear RNA" Cell Biol. Intern. 20, 6, 1996. I.F. 1.092 11. Albi E., Viola-Magni M.P. "Choline base exchange activity in rat hepatocyte nuclei and nuclear membrane" Cell Biol.Intern 21, 217-221, 1997. I.F. 1.092 12. Albi E., Tomassoni M.L., Viola-Magni M.P. "Effect of lipid composition on rat liver nuclear membrane fluidity" Cell Biochem. and Funct, 15, 181-190, 1997. I.F. 1.452 13. Albi, E. and Viola Magni, M.P. "Chromatin neutral spingomyelinase and its role in hepatic regeneration. Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 236, 29-33, 1997. I.F. 2.836 14. Micheli,M., Albi,E, Leray,C., and Viola Magni,M.P. "Nuclear sphingomyelin protects RNA from RNase action" FEBS Letters 431, 443-447, 1998. I.F. 3.609 15. Tomassoni,M.L., Albi,E., and Viola Magni,M.P. Changes of nuclear membrane fluidity during rat liver regeneration Biochem. Mol. Biol. Intern. 47, 1049-1059, 1999. 16. Albi,E., Peloso,I., and Viola Magni,M.P. Nuclear Membrane Sphingomyelin-Cholesterol Changes in Rat Liver after Hepatectomy Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 262, 692-695, 1999. I.F. 2.836 17. Albi,E., Viola Magni,M.P. Sphingomyelin-Synthase in Rat Liver Nuclear Membrane and Chromatin FEBS Letters 460, 369-372, 1999. I.F. 3.609 18. Albi,E., and Viola Magni,M.P. Phosphatidylcholine-Dependent Phospholipase C in Rat Liver Chromatin Biochem.Biophys.Res.Commun. 265, 640-643, 1999. I.F. 2.836 19. Albi,E., Viola Magni,M.P. The presence and the role of chromatin cholesterol in rat liver regeneration Journal of Hepatology 36, 395-400, 2002. I.F. 5.285 20. Caso,V., Panarelli,P., Albi,E., Viola-Magni,M.P., Parnetti,L., Gallai,V. Phospholipid autoantibodies: time for a new immuno-assay? Clin Exp Hypertens. 24: 511-516, 2002. I.F. 0.816 21. Panarelli,P., Viola-Magni,M.P., and Albi E. Antiphosphatidylinositol antibody in deep venous thrombosis patients Int.J. Immunopath. Pharm. 2003, 16: 61-6. I.F. 3.927 22. Albi,E., Cataldi,S., Rossi,G., and Viola Magni,M.P. A possible role of cholesterol-sphingomyelin/phosphatidylcholine in nuclear matrix during rat liver regeneration. J. Hepatology 2003, 38: 623-8. I.F. 5.283 23. Albi,E., Pieroni,S., Viola Magni,M.P., and Sartori,C Chromatin sphingomyelin changes in cell proliferation and/or apoptosis induced by ciprofibrate. J. Cell Physiol. 2003, 196:354-61. I.F. 5.436 24. Valeria Caso, Lucilla Parnetti, Paolo Panarelli, Maria Pia Viola Magni, MD, Virgilio Gallai, Elisabetta Albi Selection of Thrombogenetic Antiphospholipid Antibodies In Cerebrovascular Disease Patients J.Neurol 2003, 250: 593-597. I.F. 2.778 25. Albi,E., Rossi,G., Maraldi,N.M., Viola Magni,M.P., Cataldi,S., Solimando, L., Zini,N. Involvement of nuclear Phosphatidylinositol-dependent Phospholipases C in cell cycle progression during rat liver J. Cell Physiol. 2003, 197: 181-188. I.F. 5.463 26. Elisabetta Albi, Remo Lazzarini and Mariapia Viola Magni Reverse Sphingomyelin-Synthase in Rat Liver Chromatin FEBS Letters 2003, 549(1-3):152-156. I.F. 3.609 27. Elisabetta Albi, Samuela Cataldi, Mariapia Viola Magni and Claudia Sartori Plasmalogens in rat liver chromatin: new molecules involved in cell proliferation J. Cell Physiol, 2004, 201(3):439-46. I.F. 5.463 28. Elisabetta Albi, Samuela Cataldi, Elisa Bartoccini, Mariapia Viola Magni, Francesca Marini, Francesca Mazzoni, Giuseppe Rainaldi, Monica Evangelisti, Mercedes Garcia-Gil Nuclear sphingomyelin pathway in serum deprivation-induced apoptosis of embryonic hippocampal cells J Cell Physiol, 2005. I.F. 5.463 29. Elisabetta Albi, Caterina AM La Porta , Samuela Cataldi, Mariapia Viola Magni Nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase and protein kinase C delta in melanoma cells Arch. Biochem Biophys, 2005, 438:156-61. I.F. 2.338
I)Plant pollens are an important source of environmental antigens that stimulate allergic responses. In addition to acting as vehicled for foreign protein antigens, they contain different molecular species of lipids, which are necessary in the reproduction of higher plants. The CD1 family of nonpolymorphic major histocompatibility complex-related molecules is highly conserved in mammals, and has been shown to present microbial and self lipids to T cells. We provided evidence that pollen lipids may be recognized as antigens by human T cell through a CD1-dependent pathway. Amonng phospholipids extracted from cypress grains, phosphatidylcholine (PC)and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)were able to stimulate the proliferation of T cells from cypresse-sensitive subjects. Particularly, 18:2/18:2 PC, a predominat component of cypress PC, could be one of the specific targets in pollen grain capture and recognition by CD1. Also pollen-derived unsaturated PE are antigens recognized by a variety of T clones derived from allergic subjects. The nature of the acyl chains in the lipid antigens contributes enormously to immunogenicity.(Agea et al. Journal Exp. Med. (2005) 202:295-308. The nature of lipid-protein interaction between phospholipids and CD1 is a target for future investigation. The antigenic properties of glycolipids extracted and purified from pollens will be also evaluated. II) We are also involved in projects aimed at studying the role of anionic phospholipids, particularly cardiolipin, in the functionality of mitochondria in the nervous tissue. A major finding of our previous studies was the effect exerted by exogenous phospholipids on the release of cytochrome c from the inner mitochondrial membrane and on the transmembrane potential of brain mitochondria. Mitochondria were enriched with exogenous phosoholipids through a fusion process in the outer mitochondrial membrane. The experimental system utilized a fluorescent probe inserted in the outer mitochondrial membrane to follow the kinetics of incorporation of lipids in mitochondria. By using a selective probe for cardiolipin, it has been demonstrated thet the fused lipid can reach the inner mitochondrial membrane and influence the membrane potential. We found that exogenous cardiolipin reinforced the binding of cytochrome c with the inner mitochondria, thus hindering its release following different stimuli. The interaction of cytochrome c with the components of the inner mitochondrial membrane is object of investigation. The mode of membrane association of cytochrome c is studied by using a model system of cytochrome c reconstituted in different cardiolipins. (Piccotti et al. JBC 2002, 277:12075-12081, Piccotti et al. J. Membr. Biol. 2004, 198:43-53)
scientific
Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Biochemistry
University of Perugia
++39-075-585-7420
I-06122
Perugia
Via del Giochetto
Italy
phospholipase A2, lipid mediators, PAF
This group is interested in the identification and localization of various phospholipases A2 in intracellular compartments. Particular attention is devoted to secretory PLA2s with the aim of uderstanding their functions in normal and pathological conditions. We have already demonstrated the presence of a group IIA sPLA2 from cerebral cortex mitochondria and its release under energy-deficient conditions and the location of group V sPLA2 in the nuclei of cultured PC-12 and U251 astrocytome cells of group V sPLA2 (Macchioni et al., J Biol Chem. (2004) Vol. 279, 36 (3), 37860-37869). Furthermore we have set up a procedure for a continuous monitoring PLA2 activities in cultured cells in vivo or subcellular organelles. Since many cell types release low molecular weight sPLA2, we are also studying the routing for their secretion of their translocation to intracellular compartments. This group is also interested on the formation of lipid mediators and particularly of PAF. We have identified the presence of the enzymes for its synthesis in the nervous tissue.
scientific
Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Biochemistry
University of Perugia
++39-075-585-7420
I-06122
Perugia
Via del Giochetto
Italy
phospholipase A2, lipid mediators, PAF
This group is interested in the identification and localization of various phospholipases A2 in intracellular compartments. Particular attention is devoted to secretory PLA2s with the aim of uderstanding their functions in normal and pathological conditions. We have already demonstrated the presence of a group IIA sPLA2 from cerebral cortex mitochondria and its release under energy-deficient conditions and the location of group V sPLA2 in the nuclei of cultured PC-12 and U251 astrocytome cells of group V sPLA2 (Macchioni et al., J Biol Chem. (2004) Vol. 279, 36 (3), 37860-37869). Furthermore we have set up a procedure for a continuous monitoring PLA2 activities in cultured cells in vivo or subcellular organelles. Since many cell types release low molecular weight sPLA2, we are also studying the routing for their secretion of their translocation to intracellular compartments. This group is also interested on the formation of lipid mediators and particularly of PAF. We have identified the presence of the enzymes for its synthesis in the nervous tissue.
I has developed an HPLC/ESI/MS-based method capable of analyzing a wider range of lipid classes from neutral lipids to phospholipids on a single chromatographic run with three solvent gradients and post-column mixing of solvent that helps ESI of lipids eluted earlier with non-polar solvents. We used this method to study on lipid anomaly of a variety of gene-targeted mice tissues and subcellular organellae [e.g., Takagi, S., Tojo, H., Tomita, S., Sano, S., Itami, S., Hara, M., Inoue, S., Horie, K., Kondoh, G., Hosokawa, K., Gonzalez, F.J. and Takeda, J. Alteration of the 4-sphingenine scaffolds of ceramides in keratinocyte-specific Arnt deficient mice affects skin barrier function. J. Clin. Invest. 112, 1372-1382 (2003)]. We are now extending the method amenable to analyzing more polar lipids that cantain important bioactive lipids. We eventually would like to develop a very comprehensive lipid analyzing system.
scientific
Department of Metabolome, Graduate School of Medicine
HPLC-tandem mass spectrometric analysis of lipid compositions at different levels of complexity, such as cell compartments/organelles, cells, tissues in order to clarify/study biochemical processes in relation to disease based disorders. Research is biomedical orientated in a university hospital setting and findings are where possible translated into diagnostic tests.
scientific
DSM
analysis/spectrometry
0031 152792278
2600 MA
Delft
p.o. box 1
Netherlands
ceramides, sphingolipids
ceramides, sphingolipids
industrial
Lipid laboratory
Dept Internal Medicine, UMC Nijmegen
-
6500 HB
Nijmegen
Geert Grooteplein zuid 8
Netherlands
GC-MS, steroids, lipoproteins
lipidperoxydation and antioxidants, lipid transfer, steroids, nutrients
scientific
Physics of Life Processes
Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University
+31 71 527 5982
2333 CA
Leiden
Niels Bohrweg 2
Netherlands
cell signaling, model systems, lipid rafts, single-molecule biophysics, fluorescence microscopy
cell signaling, model systems, lipid rafts, single-molecule biophysics, fluorescence microscopy
scientific
NIOZ
NIOZ
31 222 369582
1790 AB
Den Burg
P.O. Box 59
Netherlands
organic geochemistry, biomarker
As part of the ICOMM (http://icomm.mbl.edu/)work we are building up a lipid database. If possible, we want to combine our data with yours. Firstly, we are interested in a procedure to find data from the database. What programs are developed, how do they work. If there is no such program exists, one has to be created. We hope we can work with you to get things working.
lipid cell biology - lipid mass spectrometry - model membrane biochemistry
The Institute of Biomembranes is an interdisciplinary research institute and graduate school at Utrecht University, accommodating 18 research groups from the faculties of Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine. The famous lipid biochemist Laurens van Deenen was one of the founding members of the institute in 1991, but unfortunately deceased in 1994. To remember him, since 2004 the Institute annually awards the "van Deenen Medal" to a leading active scientist in biomembrane research (http://ib.bio.uu.nl/). The present director chairs a specific support action of the European Commission entitled "The European Lipidomics Initiative" (www.lipidomics.net). A number of groups in the institute work on questions related to the structure and function of lipids in cells, blood (lipoproteins) and model membranes. Notably, a dedicated effort in lipid mass spectrometry is ongoing in the Dept. of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vet.uu.nl/bc).
scientific
Nutrition, metabolism and genomics group
Wageningen University
++31-317-485787
6703 HD
Wageningen
Bomenweg 2
Netherlands
transcriptomics, PPARs, fatty acids
Our group is interested in regulation of gene expression by fatty acids. We use transcriptomics (in house affymetrix platform) in combination with knock-out mice models to investigate the overall impact as well as the mechanism of fatty acid-dependent gene regulation in numerous organs (small intestine, liver, heart). Our expertise is: 1) design, analysis and interpretation of transcriptomics experiments, and 2) pathway mapping of transcriptomics data with special emphasis on lipid metabolism
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Preclinical sciences
GE Healthcare
+47 2318 5666
0401
Oslo
Nycoveien 2
Norway
Phospholipids, blood, drug development
Phospholipid analysis related to contrast agents for medical imaging. Analyses of blood samples in order to describe pharmacokinetics/toxicokinetics.
industrial
Inst. for Cancer Research/Sandvigs group:Intracellular transport
The Norwegian Radium Hospital
47 22934294
0310
Oslo
Montebello
Norway
glycosphingolipids, toxins, cholesterol, rafts
Studies of the role of different lipids on intracellular transport of protein toxins. For recent publications, please see the home pages:http://radium.no/sandvig/ We have been studying the role of cholesterol in transport, and we have been investigating cells with mutations in (glyco)sphingolipid synthesis. Studies on the roles of glycospingolipids are in progress.
Lipid hormones and second messengers - their direct and indirect effects on gene expression. Lipid-binding transcription factors. Lipid transporters from the ABC superfamily - mechanism of action, regulation of expression.
scientific
Department of Animal Physiology and Biophysics
Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest
00-40-21-318 15 69
050095
Bucharest
Splaiul Independentei, 91-95
Romania
Plane lipid bilayers, Liposomes, Pharmacology
Our group is interested to test antidepressants (natural and synthetic) and neuroleptics on plane lipid bilayers by electrical recordings and liposomes by fluorescence polarisation.
Mechanical properties of lipid membranes. Theoretical and experimental studies of phospholipid vesicle shape behavior. Shape induced mechanisms for the lateral segregation of membrane components. Role of vesicle shapes in intracellular membrane trafficking. Mechanism of action of amphitropic proteins studied by vesicle shape transformations induced by their binding to vesicle membranes.
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INSTITUTO DE PARASITOLOGIA Y BIOMEDICINA LOPEZ-NEYRA, Working Group: BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY. Dr. FRANCISCO GAMARRO
CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS
0034958181667
18100
ARMILLA- GRANADA
Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud. Avda. del Conocimiento s
Lipid translocation in arasites of health interest: their implications in the biology of parasites, and their potential use as drug targets. Aminophospholipid translocases and ABC transporters in parasites: its role in drug resistance and infectivity of parasites.
Drug discovery and pharmacological tools: Effects of combinatorial libraries of synthetic chemicals on cell sphingolipid profiles. Toxicity of environmental contaminants: Deciphering whether the toxicity of selected environmental contaminants occurs by altering the sphingolipid composition of affected cells. Sphingolipid maps as sensors of environmental contamination. Analytical methodology: (1) Development of 15N and 31P NMR procedures to construct sphingolipid and phospholipid maps. (2) Application of biocompatible chemical reactions to the construction of pseudolipid maps and validation of this approach to research in cell biology.
We are interested in the biophysics of membrane lipids, and lipid-protein interactions, with an emphasis on sphingolipids, lipid signalling, membrane domains, and, more recently, lipoproteins. Our techniques include calorimetry (DSC, ITC), spectroscopy (IR, fluorescence, UV-vis, stopped-flow, CD), confocal microscopy, Langmuir balance, and supported membranes.
scientific
National Center of Biotechnology
Spanish Research Council
++34-91-5854840
28049
Madrid
Darwin, 3. Campus Cantoblanco University
Spain
signaling, chemotaxis, leukocyte, HIV
The previous work of my group has been focused in understand how lipid rafts organize cell signaling during leukocyte chemotaxis as well as in the pivotal function of these microdomains at the early steps of the human immunodeficiency virus infection.
scientific
Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Spanish Research Council & University of Valladolid School of Medicine
Membrane lateral structure and its role in the establishment of lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions. Lipids and lipid/protein complexes as surface-active agents, with particular emphasis in the structure and molecular mechanisms of membranes and surface layers of natural pulmonary surfactant and clinical preparations used in the therapeutical treatment of respiratory diseases.
scientific
Research Group in Biomembranes, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Protein-lipid interactions: interactions with model membranes of signalling proteins, such as PKCs and Bcl-2 family of proteins associated to the regulation of cell apoptosis. Lipid regulation of the activity of PKCs. The action of a variety of bioactive lipìds on membrane translocation and activation of the Protein Kinase C family of proteins associated to cell signalling. The action of lipids such as phosphatidylserine, phosphoinositides, free fatty acids, diacylglycerols and ceramides is invetigated. Techniques used: NMR (CPMAS, HRMAS, deuterium NMR, 31P-NMR), DSC, ITC, Biacore, Fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, X-ray diffraction.
Disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism involved in hepatic and cardiovascular diseases. Molecular mechanisms underlying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Functional genomics in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
scientific
The Wenner-Gren Institute
Stockholm University
++46-8-164127
SE10691
Stockholm
Arrhenius lab. F3
Sweden
fatty acid metabolism, elongase, gene expression
Our topic is the regulation of very long chain fatty acid syntersis in mammals and their significance in lipid metabolism.
scientific
Department of Crop Science
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
please fill in
23053
Alnarp
Box 44
Sweden
plant oil biosynthesis
please fill in
scientific
Department of Biophysical Chemistry
Umeå University
+46907865228
SE-90187
Umeå
Linaeus väg 10
Sweden
domains, lateral diffusion, Lipid/protein
Lipid/protein interaction, regulation of lipid composition in cell membranes, Formation of domains in lipid membranes, Lipid lateral diffusion, Molecular ordering in membranes,.
scientific
LC-MS Support
Applera Europe B.V.
+41 41 799 7742
6343
Rotkreuz
Grundstrasse 10
Switzerland
phospholipid, eiscosanoids, PAF, biomarker
Understanding of succession at developing and self stabilising cell populations and response/adaptation in the membrane lipid composition to stress conditions. Reveal cell signaling processes and interactions with the environment depending on lipid molecules. Lipid synthesis and degradation depend on enzyme activities and specific genes. Supressing specific lipid synthesis process or facilitating adaptation processes may identify genes involved and clarify function of so far unknown gene sequences. Assessment of regulatory lipids (eicosanoids, PAFs) as presymptomatic harbingers of pulmonary pathobiology. Development of rapid and easy-to-use methods for assessemnt and analysis of phospholipid profiles based on mass spectrometry. Rapid and sensitive quantification of signaling lipid molecules. Since 2007 LC-MS Support for Switzerland and South of germany Area, providing expertise in Lipidanalysis by LC-MS
industrial
Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - University of Geneva
+41-22-3796344
1211
Geneva
Bd Yvoy 20
Switzerland
Mass spectrometry, Pharmaceuticals, Proteins, C.elegans
please fill in
scientific
University of Basel, Experimental Immunology
University Hospital, Department of Research
+41 61 2652365
4031
Basel
Hebelstrasse, 20
Switzerland
immune recognition of lipids
Identification of llipids with immunogenic activity and involved in activating lipid-specific T cells in diseases
Biosynthesis, Remodeling and transport and cell wall integration of GPI anchored proteins of Saccharomaces cerevisiae. Sphingolipid biosynthesis of S. cerevisiae. Sterol transport, neutral lipid storage and degradation. Lipid rafts transport and sortining of integral membrane proteins.
scientific
Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Section of Stem Cells
Prenyl pyrophosphates as differentiation signals for stem cells
scientific
Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology
National Tsing Hua University
886-3-5742752
30043
Hinchu
Kung-Fu Rd
Taiwan
glycosphingolipid, cardiotoxin, phospholipase A2
Our main interest is to understand the role of various lipids and/or lipid domain responsible for the action of cobra venom components such as cobra cardiotoxins or phospholipase A2.
scientific
Dept. of Medical Biochemistry & Immunology, School of Medicine
We are interested in the influence of diet on the regulation of gene expression in hepatic tissue culture, in particular emphasis on lipogenic genes. A second area of interest focusses on fungal lipid metabolism, particularly in the oleaginous Yarrowia lipolytica.
scientific
The Chemical Biology Centre in the Department of Chemistry
Imperial College London in association with the Institute of Cancer Research and the London Research Institute of CRUK
+44 (0)20 7594 5787
SW7 2AZ
London
Exhibition Road
United Kingdom
Lipid biophysical characterisation
Biophysical properties of lipids Phase behaviour studied by SAXRD, NMR, SSNMR, polarising microscopy, DSC, high pressure SAXRD Mesophase structure and energetics measured by SAXRD osmometry, SSNMR, ITC, DSC, direct vesicle manipulation and modelling using continuum elastic theories, mesoscopic modelling and full atomistic modelling (QMMD) Dynamics of phase transformations (the lipids role in cell division, fusion etc.) using synchrotron X-ray scattering on rapidly perturbed systems Studies of the short and long range coupling of membrane charge and curvature elasticity Lipid-protein and lipid-drug interactions Studies of the effect of membrane elasticity on enzyme activity, extrinsic membrane protein binding, membrane protein refolding dynamics, drug binding Studies of the coupling of membrane chemistry and biochemistry to lipid elastic properties Studies of lipid liquid ordered phases and protein associations within these domains Studies of membrane protein assembly, distribution and dynamics Development of novel single cell membrane proteomics and lipidomics A recently funded project to handle single cells inoptical traps within microfluidic flows, strip off membrane portions, separate components and analyse using a novel 2D-IR spectroscopy
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Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
NPG
+44(0)2078433641
N1 9XW
London
4 Crinan St
United Kingdom
lipids
lipids
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Glycobiology Institute
Oxford University
+44 1865 275725
OX1 3QU
Oxford
South Parks Rd
United Kingdom
Oligosaccharide analysis, lysosomal storage
Protein and lipid glycosylation and diseases, including the lysosomal storage disorders (Gaucher disease for example). Glycolipid (sphingolipid) analysis by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Chemistry and biology of imino sugars that modulate glycolipid biosynthesis
scientific
Shell Global Solutions (UK)
Shell Global Solutions (UK)
+44-151-373-5730
CH13SH
Chester
P.O. Box 1
United Kingdom
extraction analysis
Interest in extraction and analysis techniques for lipids
The group has been interested in the transport and biochemical pathways of phytanic acid metabolism and thus alpha- and omega-oxidation pathways of alpha-methyl isoprenoid fatty acids. This pathway has recently been defined with the cloning of key enzymes in alpha-oxidation including phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase (PAHX), 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase together with confirmation of their localisation in peroxisomes. PAHX, an iron(II) and 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase is located on chromosome 10p13. Mutant forms of PAHX have been shown to be responsible for some, but not all, cases of Refsums Disease. Certain cases have been shown to be atypical mild variants of rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1a. Other atypical cases with low plasma phytanic acid may be caused by a-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency. A sterol-carrier protein 2 (SCP-2) knockout mouse model shares a similar clinical phenotype to Refsums Disease, but no mutations in SCP-2 have been described to date in man. SCP-2 acts as a solubilistaion factor/intracellular carrier for these hydrophobic fatty acids. Work on the omega-oxidation pathway for these fatty acids has clarified the role of cytochrome 4A1 enzymes in the intitial hydroxylation to dicarboxylic acids and the subsequent peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway. It has also led to interest in this pathway as a therapeutic option for peroxiosomal diseases. The pathway for synthesis of phytanic acid from phytol in man and possibly other mammals has also been clarified with the identification of the enzymes in the pathway and identification of FALDH-10 - the enzyme deficient in Sjogren-Larsson syndroem as one of the key enzymes in this pathway. The group is also interested in the role of PhyH outside the preroxisome where it may act as protein regulator and the possible importance of phytanic acid as a PPAR-alpha ligand.
scientific
Mass Spectrometry Facility
The School of Pharmacy
++44-20-77535876
WC1N 1AX
London
29/39 Brunswick Square
United Kingdom
sterols, steroids, lipid rafts
The research in the mass spectrometry group at the School of Pharmacy is focused on lipids and their interactions with proteins. Major efforts are being made in the development of new methodology for the mass spectrometric analysis of steroids and sterols. In parrallel with lipidomic studies, we are investigating the protein content of lipid rafts and studying protein-lipid interactions.
scientific
European application laboratory
Thermo Electron
+44 1442233555
HP2 7GE
Hemel Hempstead
1 Boundary Park
United Kingdom
mass spectrometry, phospholipids, sphingolipids
methods in mass spectrometry for high throughput lipid analysis
industrial
WELLCOME TRUST BIOCENTRE, SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES, UNIV OF DUNDEE
UNIV OF DUNDEE
++44-(0)1382-388688
DD1 5EH
DUNDEE
HAWKHILL
United Kingdom
PROTOZA LIPID BIOSYNTHESIS
MY GROUP WORKS ON PHOSPHO- AND GLYCO- LIPID BIOSYNTHESIS IN PROTOZOAN PARASITES SUCH AS T.BRUCEI, THE CAUSATIVE AGENT OF AFRICAN SLEEPING SICKNESS. WE USE TOOLS SUCH AS FOWARD AND REVESRE GENETICS TO VALIDATE GENES AS DRUG TARGETS PRIOR TO EXPLORING SUBSTRATE AND INHIBITOR SELECTIVITY. WE HAVE START TO SET UP A PARASITE LIPIIDOME DATABASE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO USE AND SUBMIT PROFILES TO.
function of biologically active lipids in cardiovascular disorders. Effect of dietary components on the expression and secretion of biologically active lipid derivatives in relation to inflammatory disorders.
Enzaymes involved in lipid metabolism, branched-chain lipids and their role in diseases, long-chain fatty alcohols,
scientific
Institute for Cancer Studies
University of Birmingham
44-(0)121-414-3293
B15 2TT
Birmingham
Vincent Drive
United Kingdom
phosphoinositide, mass spectrometry, phospholipase, cancer
1. Analysis of lipid signalling in particular phospholipases D and C and PI-3-kinase. 2. Use of MS methods to analyse lipids in mammalian, dictyostelium, yeast and drosophila cells in order to determine functions of signalling pathways. 3. Analysis of lipids in tumour cells isolated by techniques such as laser capture microdissection. 4. Analysis of changes in lipids in other diseases for example vasculitis. 5. Development of MS methods to quantify all phosphoinositides.
scientific
School of Pharmacy
University of Bradford
++44-1274-224717
BD7 1DP
Bradford
Richmond Road
United Kingdom
eicosanoids, brain, skin, mass spectrometry
eicosanoids and other lipid mediators molecular mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids with emphasis on eicosapentaenoic acid eicosanoid-mediated pathways and signalling systems mass spectrometry high field NMR computational lipidomics cardiovascular disease neurodegenerative diseases brain function cancer melanocytes
We study the molecular bases of the interactions of ATP-binding cassette transporters of human (e.g. ABCG1 and ABCG2) and bacterial origin (e.g., MsbA and LmrA) with chemotherapeutic drug and steroids and other lipids. We also study the potential physiological roles of multidrug transporters in lipid transport.
phospholipids, mass spectrometry, dynamic lipidomics
Mass spectrometry of lipids Dynamics of phospholipid synthesis Modelling lipid synthetic networks Lipid biomarkers in health and disease Synthesis, composition and function of endonuclear lipids Lung surfactant in health and disease Interaction between genotypic expression and diet in the regulation of the molecular species composition of cell lipids in vivo and in vitro Phospholipase-mediated cell signalling Membrane fusion Lipids in stem cell differentiation Lipids and nutrition Lipids in inflammation Oxidised phospholipids and cardiovascular disease
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Centre for Equine and Animal Science
Writtle College
44 1245 424200
CM1 3RR
Chelmsford
Lordship Road
United Kingdom
poyunsaturated fatty acids, conjugated linoeic acids, immunity, health
Nutritional and biochemical role of fatty acids in the health and performance of farm and companion animals.
scientific
Centre for Equine and Animal Science
Writtle College
44 1245 424200
CM1 3RR
Chelmsford
Lordship Road
United Kingdom
poyunsaturated fatty acids, conjugated linoeic acids, immunity, health
Nutritional and biochemical role of fatty acids in the health and performance of farm and companion animals.
scientific
University of Iowa
Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
1-319-335-7874
52246
Iowa City
6-530 Bowen Science Building
United States
multidrug resistance, sphingolipids, mitochondria
We study the interaction of sphingolipids and phospholipids with multidrug transporters in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Transcription factors that modulate the expression of membrane transporters, often in the plasma membrane, have recently been found to also control the expression of genes involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis. Our goal is to understand the physiological rationale this coordinate control.
scientific
Indiana Umiversity -Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana Umiversity -Purdue University Indianapolis
Analysis of glycolipid structure and metabolism in the nervous system, lipid signaling molecules and signal trnaduction, cell-cell recognition and adhesion, cell migration.
scientific
COBRE in Lipidomics & Pathobiology
Medical University of South Carolina
843-792-4323
29425
Charleston
PO Box 250509
United States
cell growth, cell death, cell aging, inflammation
Define the function of these fatty molecules in human disease, especially cancer, aging, neurologic disease and fungal pathogenesis.
scientific
COBRE in Lipidomics & Pathobiology
Medical University of South Carolina
843-792-4323
29425
Charleston
PO Box 250509
United States
cell growth, cell death, cell aging, inflammation
Define the function of these fatty molecules in human disease, especially cancer, aging, neurologic disease and fungal pathogenesis.
scientific
Center for Developmental Genetics
Stony Brook University
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11794
Stony Brook
438 CMM
United States
please fill in
please fill in
scientific
The Polt Group
The University of Arizona
++01-520-621-6322
AZ 85721
Tucson
Department of Chemistry
United States
PDMP, glycosphingolipid, sphingosine
Glycosphingolipids. Synthesis and structure elucidation. We are involved with the design and synthesis of glycosidase and glycosyltransferase inhibitors. We use Manduca sexta (tobacco horn worm) as a model system to explore the effects of GSLs on development. http://www.chem.arizona.edu/faculty/profile/profile.php?fid_call=polt
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San Diego Supercomputer Center / LIPID MAPS Bioinformatics Core
The LIPID Metabolites and Pathways Strategy (LIPID MAPS) Consortium represents a multi-institutional effort to develop a detailed understanding of lipid structure and function. As part of this effort, we will develop ‘parts lists’ of lipid metabolites and assemble these into metabolic networks. These networks will then provide an infrastructure for subsequent modeling using quantitative data from LIPID MAPS experiments.
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Nutrition and Genomics
USDA-Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University
The Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory has been pionnering the study of gene-diet interactions in the area of cardiovascular diseases, utilizing both genetic epidemiology approaches as well as controlled dietary intervention studies. This research involves the investigation of nutrient-gene interactions in large and diverse populations around the world with long-standing collaborations with investigators in Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. More recently our interest has been focusing on the genetic factors involved in fat metabolism in the adypocite and more specifically the PATS family of genes. In addition, we seek to identify genes involved in longevity and healthy aging and to understand their regulation in response to dietary factors. For this research we use model organisms such as Drosophila and mouse. Further comprehension of the relation between genetic factors, nutrients and the rate of aging will provide better understanding of the pathology of age-related diseases and lead to improved strategies for their prevention.
The Department of Biochemistry (and affiliated faculty) at Wake Forest University has a working group of faculty members (about 14 faculty members) interested in the role of lipids in signal transduction, atherosclerosis, cancer, host defense, and inflammation. Techniques in use include thin-layer chromatography, HPLC, and mass spectrometry to identify phospholipid and fatty acid species, vesicle and solid-phase lipid binding assays, NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical approaches, coupled with site-directed mutagenesis, to study structural features of lipid:protein interactions, and computational modeling of signaling pathways involving lipids. Professor McPhail represents the lipid signaling working group on the departmental Development Committee, which advises the Chair on departmental development and policy.