First large-scale study of the genetics of human plasma lipid species

Henri Deda May 28, 2019

Understanding the genetics of lipid species offers information beyond that provided by routine lipid screening, and can help improve risk prediction and treatment. In the first large-scale study, novel lipid-associated genetic variants were identified, some of which were linked with risk for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes. Lipotype provided the technology to measure these lipids – Lipotype Shotgun Lipidomics.

The human blood plasma lipidome
Human plasma comprises hundreds of lipid species which differ in chemical structure and function. Many of these are known risk factors for human diseases. Advances in mass spectrometry-driven lipid analysis – lipidomics – has made it possible to study the patient lipidome to a greater extent than is possible with conventional analytical methods. Currently, however, understanding the genetic regulation of molecular lipid species is lacking. Unraveling this information could help in the personalized management of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

In light of this, this collaborative project involving centres in Finland, Germany and the USA integrated information from the lipidome, genome and phenome to answer key questions relating to the heritability of lipid species, including: Which genetic variants influence plasma levels of lipid species? How do these variants relate to disease outcomes and what is the underlying mechanisms?

The answers are…
1. Lipid species are heritable.
Lipid species heritability ranges from 10 to 54 per cent, with the highest heritability in lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These findings are important given renewed interest in the role of PUFAs in cardiovascular disease.

2. GWAS analyses identified 35 gene variants associated with lipids.
Using clinical outcome data, the investigators showed that 10 of these variants were associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, 3 gene variants at the were associated with type 2 diabetes. This information could help drive the development of new treatment targets.

3. Further notes on lipid metabolism.
The study also provided clues to the underlying mechanisms of well-known lipid loci on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk.

Resources

Press Release: First large-scale study of the genetics of human plasma lipid species
Publication: Genetics of human plasma lipidome to understand lipid metabolism and its link to diseases beyond traditional lipids

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LEA Jury announces Winners of LEA 2019

Henri Deda May 8, 2019

LEA, the Lipidomics Excellence Award, was founded to strengthen life sciences through lipidomics. Over the course of April, the LEA jury deliberated on the submitted projects to announce the three LEA awardees.

LEA 2019 research prizes
LEA, promotes researchers who are eager to contribute to the progress of life sciences with generous research prizes. The winner of the first prize receives a trophy, 50,000 EUR worth of analysis services and a speaking slot to present their results at the EMBO workshop “Lipid function in health and disease” as well as coverage of the logistical costs to participate in the workshop. The second prize winner is awarded a lipidomics analysis worth 10,000 EUR; the third prize winner is acknowledged by a 1,500 EUR analysis package. (All lipidomics analysis packages are provided by Lipotype GmbH.)

The independent LEA jury composed of Britta Brügger, Pietro De Camilli, Ari Helenius and Kai Simons discussed vividly the LEA 2019 applications. After a month of deliberation, they decided on the following three scientists and their research projects.

The winners are…
1. Prize of LEA 2019 goes to…
Prof. Anne-Claude Gavin and her lipid-transfer research project. She will investigate lipid movements to develop the first molecular cartography of lipid “highways”.

2. Prize of LEA 2019 is awarded to…
Dr. Oliver Schmidt and his newly discovered EGAD protein degradation pathway. He will research how EGAD influences lipid metabolism to improve our understanding of cellular homeostasis.

3. Prize of LEA was won by…
Prof. Sarah L. Keller for her research in membranes of yeast. She will investigate how lipids drive domain formation in cell membranes.

All research project details are outlined here.

Resources

Press Release: LEA Jury announces Winners of LEA 2019
Press Release: LEA Jury gibt Sieger des LEA 2019 bekannt

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Lipotype is GMP certified!

Henri Deda April 16, 2019

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ensure safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. Lipotype is the worldwide first and only officially GMP certified shotgun lipidomics service provider for pharmaceutical applications.

The need for GMP regulations
Quality variations can pose direct threats to patient health – especially in the pharma industry. This is why quality control plays a central role in manufacturing and developing pharmaceutical products. GMP certifications are issued by governmental authorities to ensure product quality and compliance with mandatory health agency requirements.

As worldwide first and only shotgun lipidomics service provider with official GMP certificate by state authority, Lipotype now offers untargeted, global and absolutely quantitative lipidomics analysis services according to GMP regulation laid down in Directive 2003/94/EC.

GMP-compliant lipidomics services
Pharma researchers challenging therapeutic limitations by developing new pharmaceutical products can draw on Lipotype Shotgun Lipidomics services beyond lipidomic analysis of content, purity and stability. Development of GMP compliant analytical tests and release analysis of compounds from clinical trials to market release complete the portfolio of GMP certified lipid analysis services.

Resources

Press Release: Worldwide first and only shotgun lipidomics service provider with official GMP certificate

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New method for molecular profiling of adipose tissue

Henri Deda March 13, 2019

The Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, a partner of the DZD, and the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus joined their forces with Lipotype GmbH and developed a new shotgun lipidomics method for the molecular profiling of brown and white adipose tissue. The results of this collaborative work have now been published in the journal ́Molecular Metabolism ́.

To better understand adipose tissue
Adipose tissue consists of more than 99% of storage lipids, mainly triglycerides that are stored within the cell in so-called lipid droplets. Nonetheless, the remaining 0.5-1% of lipids are sufficient to build a metabolically active cell in all its complexity.

Despite the enormous importance of adipose tissue in human health and diseases (like diabetes), no standardized method existed so far, to quantitatively and reproducibly analyze its lipidome. Thus, Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), the Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (IKL) and Lipotype GmbH chose to tackle this urgent need. Their joint vision of an omics-driven clinic, fueled the development of a shotgun lipidomics protocol for adipose tissue.

A new protocol
This new and validated protocol wants to facilitate the systematic molecular profiling of adipose tissue by providing high reproducibility and linear dynamic range for all lipid classes. Besides covering all types of adipose tissue, it can be used for fatty organs, and can be integrated with further omics approaches used in pre-clinical research.

Resources

Press Release: Dresden scientists develop new shotgun lipidomics method for molecular profiling of adipose tissue

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Lipidomics: A Rising Star in Omics Research

Henri Deda February 15, 2019

Technology Networks published a new introductory article on lipidomics last week. They spoke to Dr. Christian Klose about applications in the field of lipid research and to Henri Deda about LEA, the new Lipidomics Excellence Award.

The article in short
The article provides a brief introduction to the research field of lipids: lipidomics. Summarizing recent developments and challenges of the past, granting an overview on today’s lipidomics technology and discussing the broad field of lipidomics applications in detail, the article is a short and entertaining read. Dr Christian Klose, Head of Research and Development at Lipotype, comments on various aspects providing examples for current research and product developments in various industries and academia. To complete the picture of current developments in lipidomics, the motivation to found and organize the Lipidomics Excellence Award finishes off the article.

Lipidomics Excellence Award
LEA, the Lipidomics Excellence Award, has been created to promote, support and strengthen researchers who are eager to contribute to the progress of life sciences through lipidomics. Up to three individuals with ongoing research are awarded with comprehensive research prizes to support their projects. Applications are open to all researchers who are eager to strengthen life sciences through lipidomics. Call for applications is open till March 30, 2019.

LEA is supported by LIPID MAPS, SwissLipids and Lipotype; the media LABO, the Journal of Lipid Research and transkript aligned themselves with LEA too.

Resources

Technology Networks Article: Lipidomics – A Rising Star in “OMICS” Research
Press Release: Lipotype Launches first global Lipidomics Excellence Award

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Lipotype launches first global Lipidomics Excellence Award

Henri Deda January 16, 2019

Lipotype announces LEA, the Lipidomics Excellence Award, for breakthrough lipidomics projects. Call for applications is open till March 30, 2019.

LEA at a glance
LEA has been created to promote, support and strengthen researchers who are eager to contribute to the progress of life sciences through lipidomics.

Up to three individuals with ongoing research are awarded with comprehensive research prizes to support their projects. Applications are open to all researchers who are eager to strengthen life sciences through lipidomics.

The awardees are selected by a panel composed of internationally renown members of academia, each of them recognized as leading experts in their respective fields.

LEA is supported by LIPID MAPS, SwissLipids and Lipotype.

The first prize
The winner of the first prize will receive 55,000 EUR worth of analysis services in order to put their idea to test. The awardee will be presenting their research at an internationally leading experts summit for lipids and lipidomics, the EMBO Workshop “Lipid function in health and disease” in Dresden (Sept 27th – 30th, 2019). A press conference will be held to present the project and formally handover the LEA 2019 trophy.

How to apply
Individual researchers from academia and industry and their ongoing projects can apply for LEA 2019. Applicants are asked to outline their idea for a project or research approach whose results they think can be boosted by a detailed lipid analysis. All applications shall be submitted until March 30, 2019 via the online submission form.

Resources

Press Release: Lipotype Launches first global Lipidomics Excellence Award – ENG
Press Release: Lipotype startet den ersten weltweiten Lipidomics Excellence Award – DEU
Online Submission Form

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Dermal drug development for SLS associated ichthyosis

Henri Deda January 8, 2019

Lipotype put online a new biotech & dermatology customer reference with Aldeyra Therapeutics about lipid analysis for topical dermal drug development for the treatment of ichthyosis associated with SLS.

The project in short
Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome (SLS) is a rare inborn error of aldehyde metabolism characterized by severe skin thickening (ichthyosis), retinal disease, and neurological dysfunction. As of today, no therapy that addresses SLS has been approved. Aldeyra Therapeutics has conducted a Phase 2 randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multi-center clinical trial of topical dermal reproxalap for the treatment of ichthyosis associated with SLS. The results of the trial demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements of SLS skin symptoms of patients after only eight weeks of treatment. A multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial is ongoing.

What Lipotype did
Lipotype Shotgun Skin Lipidomics provided Aldeyra Therapeutics with lipid analysis of skin samples for identification of relevant lipid biomarkers in the Phase 2 clinical trial. Results of the skin lipidomics analysis delivered evidence for a correlation between clinical effects and those skin lipid biomarkers. Consistent with the clinical activity of reproxalap, significant dermal biomarker changes were noted in reproxalap-treated patients but not vehicle-treated patients. Cholesterol, which is significantly elevated in the skin of SLS patients, was reduced in reproxalap-treated patients more than in vehicle-treated patients.

About Aldeyra Therapeutics
Aldeyra Therapeutics is a biotechnology company devoted to improving lives by inventing, developing, and commercializing next-generation medicines that treat immune-mediated and metabolic diseases. Aldeyra’s lead product candidate, reproxalap (formerly called NS2), is a small molecule RASP (Reactive Aldehyde Species) inhibitor in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of dry eye disease, allergic conjunctivitis, noninfectious anterior uveitis, and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome. With its focus on a carefully selected range of diseases, Aldeyra Therapeutics is devoted to improving lives through outstanding innovation.

Find the full customer reference

Customer reference Aldeyra Therapeutics: lipid analysis for topical dermal drug development for the treatment of ichthyosis associated with SLS

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Lipotype presents the awardees of the Lipidomics Forum 2018

Henri Deda November 19, 2018

We proudly present the winners of best poster and best scientific talk award at the Lipidomics Forum 2018.

A short history of the Lipidomics Forum
The Lipidomics Forum is a joint effort of the ISAS Dortmund and the Research Center Borstel. The annual symposium is a series of conferences on lipid biology and lipidomics to provide a platform for international acknowledged scientists, students, and young researchers to interact. It does not only cover current research highlights but also offers tutorials on selected methodical topics.

The Lipidomics Forum has become a home for Lipotype. Besides a shared scientific background, we strive for the same goals such as global scientific excellence and exchange. This is why Lipotype began attending and supporting through awards the conference many years ago.

The awardees
The best poster award was won by Bing Peng (middle). She researches blood platelets and their lipid composition which is critical for platelet integrity and functionality. She could show, that the lipidome changes upon platelet activation. Congrats, Bing Peng!

The best scientific talk award was won by Marcus Höring (right). His work aims at the intestinal lipid metabolism and the influence of gut microbia. He made use of isotope labeled fatty acids to achieve that. Congrat, Marcus Höring!

Ronny Herzog
Dr. Ronny Herzog, Head of Software Development and IT-Infrastructure, and the awardees.

Dominik Schwudke (top left) and Robert Ahrends (bottom left) have been organizing the Lipidomics Forum since its beginning. To say thank you, we gifted both a rafting weekend. We are certain, they will have as much fun as we have with our lipid raft.

Resources

Press Release: Lipotype presents the awardees of the Lipidomics Forum 2018

Abstract book of the Lipidomics Forum 2018

Lipidomics Forum 2018

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Lipotype Shotgun Lipidomics technology in Science journal

Henri Deda October 26, 2018

Every scientist dreams of a report in Science. For us, this dream has just come true. The research project of one of our customers has been published by the iconic journal Science.

The research project in 60 seconds
Cell membranes contain a vast range of distinct lipid species. Their chemical differences influence the physical characteristics of membranes, such as viscosity. Thus, the lipid composition affects biological functions.

To identify the lipids involved, the research group used genetic engineering to modulate the lipid composition of bacteria. They correlated bacterial growth rates with lipid composition. From that they concluded that the level of unsaturated lipids influences cellular respiration, the conversion of nutrients into energy (e.g. ATP).

Further biological research and physical modeling confirmed the results. In the end, they could replicate their findings in yeast mitochondria, the organelle responsible for cellular respiration in animals and plants. Thus, further highlighting the importance of lipidomics in fundamental research.

All science is just as good as the research which precedes it
This publication has been added to the Lipidomics Resource Center, an online tool to empower your lipid research. It features scientific publications, white papers and industry insights. The integrated live full-text search and in-depth tag filter system will help you identify information of your interest.

Lipids are essential to life. Make them essential to your research too!

Resources

Viscous control of cellular respiration by membrane lipid composition – Science, 2018
Itay Budin, Tristan de Rond, Yan Chen, Leanne J G Chan, Christopher J Petzold, Jay D Keasling

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New White Paper “Unlocking the Power of Multiomics”

Henri Deda October 18, 2018

Multiomics approaches harness synergies and eliminate shortcomings to effectively deliver what one omics science alone cannot achieve. Lipotype’s new white paper “Unlocking the Power of Multiomics” highlights why combining genomics with lipidomics makes for a great omics pair.

Genomics for genes, lipidomics for lipids
Being major players in cardiovascular disease research, genomics and lipidomics are perfectly suited for a joint multiomics approach. It matches the capacity to identify genetic predestinations with one or multiple snapshots of the lipid metabolic status.

Linking genotype with phenotype will be critical when it comes to clinical diagnostics and to the goal of identifying the onsets of a disease.

From genotype to phenotype: interconnected disease risk factors
In this study, a large number of SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) from genomes was drawn. They were then correlated with corresponding lipid species levels from human blood plasma. The blood plasma has been analyzed with Lipotype Shotgun Lipidomics technology. The most important findings are the following.

First, the heritability of lipid species levels was quantified from the SNP correlations. Second, genetic predispositions influencing lipid species levels provide useful information for cardiovascular disease risk predictions. And third, lipidomics yields greater statistical power to identify SNPs with direct roles in lipid metabolism. Lipidomics outperforms traditional lipid panel measures used in clinical routine.

Resources

Lipotype White Paper: Unlocking the Power of Multiomics

Press release: Unlocking the Power of Multiomics – Lipotype releases new Multiomics White Paper

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