Lipids not only taste delicious (at least in our opinion) but are the major components of biological membranes and play essential roles in most aspects of human biology. In fact, if we look closely at the lipids and membranes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, we see they contribute to fundamental roles in compartmentalizing cells, stress responses, metabolism, gene regulation, inflammation, and activating both cell protective and cell destructive mechanisms.

As such, the study of lipids and membranes remains a critical and emerging area for cutting-edge research one that has great potential to impact human health and the understanding and treatment of diseases.

Our symposia at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, in Seattle in March will bring together leading investigators in lipid metabolism and membrane function in replication of microorganisms and viruses, communicate novel protein structural information in lipid metabolism and transport, and promote the understanding of membrane structure and biophysics in cell physiology.

Keywords: Enzyme regulation, lipid droplets, lipid domains, membrane structure and tension, sphingolipids, infectious disease.

Who should attend: Lipid and membrane enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about lipid metabolism, lipidprotein interactions or membrane structure.

Theme song: Insane in the Membrane by Cypress Hill.

This session is powered by Hass avocados, rich in healthy fats.

New roles for lipids in microorganisms and virusesMichael Airola (chair), Stony Brook UniversityRobert V. Stahelin,Purdue UniversityElizabeth Johnson,Cornell UniversityEric A. Klein,Rutgers UniversityCamdenNihal AltanBonnett,National Institutes of Health

Molecular insight into lipid metabolism and transportAbdou Rachid Thiam (chair), Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Ecole Normale Suprieure de ParisMichael Airola,Stony Brook UniversityAngeline Lyon,Purdue UniversityEric Ortlund,Emory University School of MedicineSaskia Neher,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Membrane structure and dynamicsRobert Stahelin (chair), Purdue UniversityAbdou Rachid Thiam,Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Ecole Normale Suprieure de ParisSarah Keller,University of WashingtonSuzanne Scarlata,Worcester Polytechnic InstituteIlya Leventhal,University of Virginia

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Lipids, lipids everywhere! - ASBMB Today