CPSA 2011

Science and Technology Coming Together to Make a Difference

October 3 - 6, 2011
Bucks County Sheraton Hotel
Langhorne, PA

Program Abstract

Plenary

Secrets in Lipid Biochemistry Revealed by Mass Spectrometry

Robert C. Murphy
Department of Pharmacology
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO 80045, USA

There has been a long relationship between advances made in mass spectrometry and application of technique to understand lipid biochemistry. Some of the early discoveries of novel lipid structures were a direct result of advances in organic mass spectrometry in understanding electron ionization of fatty acid methyl esters. However, these days both the mass spectrometry and our understanding of lipid biochemistry are much more sophisticated. Mass spectrometers can readily be used as quantitative tools and still remain unsurpassed for structural characterization of biologically active lipid products. A particular emphasis in our laboratory has been on trying to understand the complex events taking place in metabolism of arachidonic acid and the roles that these metabolites play in the disease processes. LC-MS/MS techniques have enabled us to gather information concerning the potential role of leukotrienes in traumatic brain injury. We have also been able to use tools of genetic knockout mice in combination with mass spectrometry to reveal a complex level of biosynthesis of leukotrienes and the remarkable efficiency with which transcellular biosynthesis takes place within the intact animal. Advances in MALDI ionization and imaging mass spectrometry have also revealed a large number of secrets in lipid biochemistry having to do with the regional location of specific lipids as they exist in vivo. Mass spectrometry remains as one of the most powerful tools available in the hands of investigators interested in the role of lipids in biology. Mass spectrometer versatility continues to expand.

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