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World J Biol Chem. Nov 26, 2013; 4(4): 102-110
Published online Nov 26, 2013. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v4.i4.102
Lipidomic mass spectrometry and its application in neuroscience
Mabel Enriquez-Algeciras, Sanjoy K Bhattacharya
Mabel Enriquez-Algeciras, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Sanjoy K Bhattacharya, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Author contributions: Enriquez-Algeciras M and Bhattacharya SK contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Sanjoy K Bhattacharya, MTech, PhD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Suite 707A, Miami, FL 33136, United States. sbhattacharya@med.miami.edu
Telephone: +1-305-4824103 Fax: +1-305-3266547
Received: August 10, 2013
Revised: September 11, 2013
Accepted: October 17, 2013
Published online: November 26, 2013
Processing time: 118 Days and 15.2 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Mass spectrometry offers a degree of simplicity and sophistication to the biological sciences. In this review we are focusing on its application towards the analysis of lipids in neuroscience. Lipids have a variety of functions, they surround neurons, provide insulation for transmission of signals, an environment for facilitating motility and migration of astrocytes and other cell types, among many other functions. Recent advances in mass spectrometry have enabled quantification of lipids directly extracted from complex biological mixtures in the neuronal system with the help of databases, standardized instrument parameters and bioinformatics. In this review, we intend to highlight all recent efforts with an emphasis on its application to neuroscience.