1H NMR visible lipids in the life and death of cells

A functionally and metabolically interesting class of cell lipid can be observed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in situ. These prominent resonances are not only associated with malignancy and cell death, but also act as heralds of benign processes, such as cell activation and proliferation. Originally, these NMR observations were explained with a membrane lipid microdomain model. However, recent studies have identified intracellular droplets, so called lipid bodies, as important contributors to these resonances. This finding bears novel implications for our understanding and assessment of lipid biochemistry in the life and death of cells.