Signaling pathways shaping the field of lipidomics

Lipidomics, the comprehensive study of cellular lipids and their roles in biological systems, has become a transformative tool across diverse fields of biology and medicine. Beyond its applications in studying metabolic disorders and cancer, lipidomics is gaining importance in areas such as developmental biology, ecology, and evolution, revealing critical insights into cellular processes and organismal adaptations. However, interpreting lipidomics data at the molecular level, particularly through the lens of signaling pathways, remains a challenge. Despite the central role of signaling pathways in regulating lipid metabolism and signaling, no comprehensive review has systematically compiled these pathways or explored their significance in lipidomics research. This review addresses this gap by providing a structured, catalogue-like overview of signaling pathways that regulate or are influenced by lipid signals. It includes pathways fundamental to lipid metabolism and related lipid-based biological processes, as well as emerging lipid-dependent mechanisms underlying energy balance, environmental adaptation, and developmental processes. Each pathway is briefly discussed in the context of its molecular roles in lipidomics and its potential impact on diverse research fields. By compiling this knowledge, the review serves as a guide for interpreting lipidomics data, identifying key pathways for targeted research, and bridging connections with other scientific disciplines. This structured approach promotes the integration of lipidomics into broader biological contexts, advancing our understanding of lipid-mediated processes and fostering innovation across multiple fields of study.