Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER

Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER

Biological membranes are more than just a barrier separating cell cytoplasm from the outside environment. They are highly dynamic and help maintain the integrity and physiological stability of the cells as well as membrane-bound organelles. Membranes also play vital roles in cell-to-cell and intracellular communication.
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...

Lipids as Anchors

Lipids as Anchors

In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains the...

Biosynthesis of Lipids

Biosynthesis of Lipids

Microbial membranes exhibit remarkable diversity in lipid composition, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to various environmental conditions. The three domains of life—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—synthesize membrane lipids through distinct biosynthetic pathways, leading to fundamental structural differences that impact membrane stability, function, and adaptability.Fatty Acid-Based Lipids in Bacteria and EukaryaBacteria and eukaryotes share a common fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, which...

Membrane Lipids

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...

Membrane Lipids

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...

Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane

Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane

The ER synthesizes lipids for building cell membranes and performing cellular functions such as energy storage and signaling. The lipid synthesis machinery embedded in the ER membrane primarily collects all reactants from the cytosol. Following synthesis, the secretory pathway and the ER contact sites distribute these lipids to other cellular organelles. Additionally, the energy-rich triacylglycerides are transported from the ER via lipid droplets.
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Metabolic plasticity of sphingolipids governs cancer cell fitness in acidic tumor ecosystems.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026

Same author

An integrative approach to studying sphingolipid metabolism reveals p53 as a master regulator of the pathway.

Journal of lipid research·2026

Same author

Dexrazoxane Protects Against Hand-Foot Syndrome-Like Skin Damage in Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin-Treated Mice.

Journal of toxicology·2026

Same author

Regulation of cell cycle by the novel GATA1/TAL1/Sphingomyelin Synthase 1 ( <i>SGMS1</i> ) transcriptional axis. Implications for anti-leukemic strategies.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025

Same author

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 8 and its paralog CDK19 develop group 2 innate lymphoid cell-related lung fibrosis by activating STAT5.

Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)·2025

Same author

The bioactive sphingolipid playbook. A primer for the uninitiated as well as sphingolipidologists.

Journal of lipid research·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Published on: April 26, 2011

Introduction to tools and techniques for ceramide-centered research.

Kazuyuki Kitatani¹, Chiara Luberto

¹Department of Clinical Laboratory/Hematology, Tottori University Hospital, Yonago, Japan.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|October 6, 2010

Summary

This chapter introduces tools and techniques for studying sphingolipid metabolism, focusing on ceramide signaling. It aims to guide newcomers in understanding ceramide

More Related Videos

Preparation of Human Tissues Embedded in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Preparation of Human Tissues Embedded in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Published on: April 27, 2021

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Published on: October 31, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Published on: April 26, 2011

Preparation of Human Tissues Embedded in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Preparation of Human Tissues Embedded in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Published on: April 27, 2021

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Published on: October 31, 2017

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Sphingolipids are crucial eukaryotic cell components, with many acting as bioactive signaling molecules.
Ceramide, a central sphingolipid metabolite, is integral to diverse cellular responses.
The discovery of ceramide's bioactive functions has spurred the development of advanced research tools.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of current tools and techniques for sphingolipid metabolism research.
To focus specifically on methods applicable to the study of ceramide and its signaling pathways.
To assist researchers new to the field of sphingolipid biology.

Main Methods:

Overview of established and emerging methodologies in sphingolipid analysis.
Discussion of techniques for investigating ceramide synthesis, degradation, and localization.
Highlighting tools for deciphering ceramide-mediated cellular signaling.

Main Results:

A comprehensive summary of available techniques for studying sphingolipid metabolism.
Identification of key methods for analyzing ceramide's role in cellular processes.
The chapter serves as a foundational resource for understanding ceramide research.

Conclusions:

A diverse array of tools exists for studying sphingolipid metabolism and ceramide signaling.
Effective utilization of these techniques is essential for advancing our understanding of cell biology.
This overview equips new researchers with the knowledge to explore the complexities of ceramide.