Lecture
From Advanced Lipidomics to Diagnostic Biomarkers: Analytical Strategies with Translational Impact
- at -
- ICM Saal 2
- Type: Lecture
Lecture description
Coral Barbas; Ana Gradillas, Carolina Gonzalez-Riano; Sara Martínez; Belén Requena
Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, expert knowledge-based curation, and robust computational workflows have substantially improved the depth, accuracy, and confidence of lipid annotation. This lecture will highlight recent developments in advanced lipidomics with a strong emphasis on translational research, bridging fundamental discoveries with clinically relevant applications.
We developed a highly curated LC-MS lipidomics database for human plasma based on the NIST SRM 1950 reference material [1]. Building on this strategy, we implemented electron-impact excitation of ions from organics (EIEIO) MS/MS to achieve unambiguous assignment of carbon–carbon double-bond positions in unsaturated lipids [2]. In parallel, atlas-based approaches were extended to
disease-oriented applications, including LiLA (Lipid Lung-based ATLAS) for respiratory diseases [3].
Furthermore, we will present examples illustrating the power of lipidomics to reveal previously unrecognized lipid species and biological mechanisms. Using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, we identified novel lipid species in hibernating Syrian hamsters [4], a physiological model that reproduces metabolic features relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and provides insight into adaptive lipid remodelling during torpor.
A particular focus will be placed on the application of advanced lipidomics to muscle disorders, specifically malignant hyperthermia. By generating and applying a comprehensive muscle lipid atlas, we have supported biomarker discovery efforts aimed at identifying lipid signatures associated with susceptibility to this life-threatening pharmacogenetic condition, contributing to improved diagnosis and risk stratification.
Overall, lipidomics is evolving from an exploratory discipline into a key pillar of translational research and precision medicine.
Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, expert knowledge-based curation, and robust computational workflows have substantially improved the depth, accuracy, and confidence of lipid annotation. This lecture will highlight recent developments in advanced lipidomics with a strong emphasis on translational research, bridging fundamental discoveries with clinically relevant applications.
We developed a highly curated LC-MS lipidomics database for human plasma based on the NIST SRM 1950 reference material [1]. Building on this strategy, we implemented electron-impact excitation of ions from organics (EIEIO) MS/MS to achieve unambiguous assignment of carbon–carbon double-bond positions in unsaturated lipids [2]. In parallel, atlas-based approaches were extended to
disease-oriented applications, including LiLA (Lipid Lung-based ATLAS) for respiratory diseases [3].
Furthermore, we will present examples illustrating the power of lipidomics to reveal previously unrecognized lipid species and biological mechanisms. Using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, we identified novel lipid species in hibernating Syrian hamsters [4], a physiological model that reproduces metabolic features relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and provides insight into adaptive lipid remodelling during torpor.
A particular focus will be placed on the application of advanced lipidomics to muscle disorders, specifically malignant hyperthermia. By generating and applying a comprehensive muscle lipid atlas, we have supported biomarker discovery efforts aimed at identifying lipid signatures associated with susceptibility to this life-threatening pharmacogenetic condition, contributing to improved diagnosis and risk stratification.
Overall, lipidomics is evolving from an exploratory discipline into a key pillar of translational research and precision medicine.
References
1. Barbas C, et al. Journal of Lipid Research. 2024;100671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlr.2024.1006713
2. Martínez S, et al. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis (JPBA). 266, 2025, 117081 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2025.117081
3. Barbas C, et al. Communications Biology. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05680-7
4. Barbas C, et al. Journal of Chromatography A. 2025;465692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2025.465692
