Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Comprehensive Analysis of Procoagulant Platelets Exhibiting Features of Necrosis, Apoptosis and Platelet Activation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Activated platelets and monocytes generate four hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamines via lipoxygenase
Benjamin H Maskrey1, Alexandra Bermúdez-Fajardo, Alwena H Morgan
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
New research reveals that immune cells generate novel esterified lipids, specifically 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and 12-HETE, bound to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). These findings expand our understanding of lipoxygenase (LOX) signaling in inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Lipidomics
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- 12/15-Lipoxygenase (LOX) has immune-regulatory roles beyond known free acid eicosanoids.
- Activated immune cells may produce additional, uncharacterized LOX-derived lipids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel lipids generated by the LOX pathway in activated human immune cells.
- To investigate the formation and nature of these novel LOX metabolites.
Main Methods:
- Lipidomic analysis using precursor scanning electrospray ionization/tandem spectroscopy (MS).
- Identification of lipid species using tandem spectroscopy and MS3.
- Stable isotope labeling with H(18)(2)O to confirm lipid synthesis pathways.
Main Results:
- Human monocytes produced 10-fold more esterified 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) than free 15-HETE.
- Identified 15-HETE incorporated into diacyl and plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamines (PE).
- Human platelets generated analogous PE-esterified 12-HETE, which increased upon stimulation and remained intracellular.
Conclusions:
- Immune cells form PE-esterified HETEs, representing a novel class of LOX metabolites.
- This esterification is specific to the LOX pathway, unlike prostanoid synthesis.
- These novel lipids may play a significant role in LOX-mediated inflammatory signaling.
Related Concept Videos
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
Phosphoinositides and PIPs
Different phosphoinositides are synthesized and recruited on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. The localization of specific phosphoinositides concentrated in separate membrane...

