Lipid mediator informatics-lipidomics: novel pathways in mapping resolution

Lipidomics, the systematic decoding of lipid-based information in biosystems, is composed of identifying and profiling lipids and lipid-derived mediators. As currently practiced, lipidomics can be subdivided into architecture/membrane lipidomics and mediator lipidomics. The mapping of structural components and their relation to cell activation as well as generation of potent lipid mediators and networks involves a mass spectrometry-computational approach so that interrelationships and complex mediator networks important for cell homeostasis can be appreciated. Cell membranes are composed of a bilayer that contains phospholipids, fatty acids, integral membrane proteins, membrane-associated proteins, sphingolipids, and so on. The membrane composition of many cell types has been established. The components' organization and effect on cell function remains to be established, however, and is a quest for lipidomics. Here, we review liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analyses to address bioactive lipid mediators in signaling pathways and the roles of lipid-derived mediators in resolution of inflammation.