Cell fate-determining phospholipids:

Phospholipids form biomembranes and are converted into metabolites, such as lysophospholipids, diacylglycerols, and phosphoinositides, which participate in cell signaling and, when dysregulated, cause diseases. Each phospholipid class consists of hundreds of molecular species with varying combinations of fatty acids. How this diversity influences cell signaling is poorly understood. Our functional lipidomics approach provides access to phospholipid profiles, which we specifically manipulate to explore the physiological and pharmacological functions of individual species. We are searching for renewable natural sources of low abundance phospholipids. In addition, we are working with pharmaceutical technologists to deliver phospholipids to target sites and investigate their potential for pharmacotherapy, with a focus on stress-adaption and overcoming tumor resistance.