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Josef Ecker “The Gut-Liver Connection: How The Gut Microbiota Regulates Host Lipid Metabolism”

Prof. Dr. Josef Ecker, born in 1978, is a distinguished biologist specializing in lipid metabolism and its implications for health and disease. He completed his biology studies at the University of Regensburg, earning his doctorate in 2007. Following his Ph.D., he conducted research at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on lipid metabolism.

Currently, Prof. Ecker leads the Functional Lipidomics and Metabolism Research group at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg. His research centers on the interplay between dietary fats, gut microbiota, and systemic lipid metabolism, particularly concerning intestinal lipid absorption and its role in diseases such as cancer.

In addition to his role in Regensburg, Prof. Ecker is a principal investigator in the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1371 at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Within this consortium, he co-leads Project P13, which investigates the impact of dietary fat and gut microbiota interactions on intestinal lipid absorption, systemic lipid metabolism, and intestinal cancer.

Prof. Ecker has an extensive publication record, with his work being cited over 3,500 times, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of lipidomics.

His research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and its influence on health, providing insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and cancer. Many thanks, Josef, for your great presentation!

Andreas Koeberle “Targeting ferroptosis and stress adaption: insights from functional multiomics”

Prof. Dr. Andreas Koeberle is a distinguished researcher specializing in the interface of inflammation, cancer, lipid metabolism, and signaling, focusing on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of natural products.

Since 2019, he has been the Head of the Michael Popp Institute at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, where he also holds the position of University Professor for new phyto entities.

He recently obtained a full professorship at the University of Graz in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Prof. Koeberle has an extensive publication record, contributing significantly to biochemistry and pharmacology.

His research aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies by exploring the bioactivity of natural compounds, particularly in the context of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

We were grateful for Andreas’ insightful presentation on the link between the membrane lipidome and ferroptosis signaling. Thank you for coming to Vienna, Andreas!

Pitfalls in Lipid Mass Spectrometry of Mammalian Samples: A Brief Guide for Biologists

A collaborative team of leading scientists, including Prof. Dr. Robert Ahrends, has published a crucial guide addressing the common pitfalls in lipid mass spectrometry analyses of mammalian samples. The paper, titled “Pitfalls in Lipid Mass Spectrometry of Mammalian Samples – A Brief Guide for Biologists,” aims to improve the accuracy of lipid data reported in scientific studies.

Click here for more: LINK to the article.

Research stay of Nina

Our group member, Nina Troppmair, is currently on a one-month research stay in the lab of Mary Teruel within the Department of Biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medicine. We are cooperating in a project focused on elucidating the role of sphingolipid synthesis in the differentiation of stem cells to adipocytes. Together with Sanjeev Sharma, Nina is conducting perturbation studies and determining the endogenous levels of various proteins, including the main transcription factor driving adipogenesis. The expertise of Mary Teruel’s group in adipogenesis, coupled with their proficiency in immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy, perfectly complements the lipidomic and proteomic analyses performed at our lab in Vienna. Our gratitude goes to the DoSChem for supporting Nina’s visit through the International Exchange Program, and especially to Mary, Sanjeev, and the entire lab for their warm welcome and great assistance during Nina’s stay.

MassSpec-Forum2024: Workshop – Lipidomics-LIFS Bioinformatics Training

The MassSpec-Forum Vienna 2024 kicked off on Wednesday, February 21st, with a morning dedicated to insightful workshops. 

The Workshop 3 on Lipidomics-LIFS Bioinformatics Training, was conducted by Dominik Kopczynski, Nils Hoffmann, and Robert Ahrends from the University of Vienna. The session, held in parallel with other workshops, focused on the intricacies of lipidomics and the application of bioinformatics tools, specifically utilizing the Lipidomics-LIFS platform. Attendees delved into advanced techniques and methodologies, gaining hands-on experience in deciphering lipid data.

This workshop not only provided a unique learning opportunity, but also showcased the commitment of MassSpec-Forum Vienna 2024 to cover diverse aspects of mass spectrometry, ensuring participants received a comprehensive education in this dynamic field. The event’s emphasis on practical training and engagement set a tone for the subsequent days of the conference.

Photos by David Loibnegger and Claude Molitor

68th Annual GTH Meeting 2024

The 68th Annual Meeting of the GTH 2024 took place from February 27 to March 01 in Vienna under the theme “Building Bridges in Coagulation.”

The conference venue was the Hofburg, beautifully arranged for the occasion. The central focus of the conference was on thrombosis and hemostasis (GTH).

The talks featured a combination of invited international speakers, primarily doctors engaged in research presenting study results and updates on ongoing research, and young researchers, mainly PhDs in the medical field aspiring to become doctors. Also Bianca de Jonckheere, the PhD in the working group Lipidomics at the University of Vienna, presented her Megakaryocytes Project. Additionally, there were symposia from industry partners interspersed throughout the conference.

During breaks, attendees could enjoy snacks and coffee in the Vendor Hall, where a noticeable emphasis on sustainability was observed. Recyclable materials were used. The networking dinner kicked off with a champagne reception, followed by a one-hour exploration of the Weltmuseum and concluded with a meal accompanied by a dance performance reminiscent of a classical Viennese ball.

Pic by Robert Ahrends

Accurate Sphingolipid Quantification Reducing Fragmentation Bias by Nonlinear Models

Accurate quantification of molecular sphingolipid species is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their diverse roles in physiological and pathological contexts. The conventional method of quantifying sphingolipids, which relies on sphingoid base-derived fragments relative to a class-specific internal standard, often falls short in addressing the structural diversity of these bioactive molecules. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a novel fragmentation model to correct for structural differences, providing a solution that transcends the constraints of the traditional “one standard per class” strategy. Notably, our approach is independent of the internal standard, instrumental setup, and collision energy. Furthermore, we have integrated this correction method into a user-friendly KNIME workflow. Validation results affirm the efficacy of our approach in accurately quantifying ceramide subclasses across diverse biological matrices. This advancement opens new horizons for exploring sphingolipid metabolism, offering profound insights into its implications.

Go to the publication here.

Decoding Blood Platelet Production: The Intricate Role of Lipids

Scientists unveiled a deeper understanding of megakaryocyte differentiation and blood platelet production, a process crucial for maintaining healthy blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. The study featured in “Nature Cardiovascular Research,” led by chemist Robert Ahrends from the University of Vienna and cardiologist Oliver Borst from the University of Tübingen, sheds light on the intricate role of lipids – the building blocks of cell membranes – in the formation of these vital blood components.

Blood platelets, tiny disk-shaped cells in our bloodstream, play a pivotal role in wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding. The process by which these platelets are produced, known as thrombopoiesis, begins with the differentiation of specialized cells called megakaryocytes. These megakaryocytes undergo a series of transformations, ultimately giving rise to thousands of blood platelets.

“It is astonishing that despite its clinical importance, neither a quantitative lipid inventory nor a map of the lipid metabolism of megakaryocytes has been available,” says Robert Ahrends.

So far, the study of megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production has centered on enzymes related only to sphingolipid metabolism, but until now, the exact nature of the lipid species involved, as well as their metabolizing enzymes and their impact on the process, remained largely unknown. Using advanced mass spectrometry-based multiomics, the research team investigated the mechanisms of lipidome modulation of megakaryocytes as they matured and formed platelets.

Shaping anionic membranes: A lipid-driven transformation

As the megakaryocytes differentiated, they underwent substantial changes in lipid membrane composition, resulting in what the team termed an “anionic membrane phenotype.” This shift was found to be directly linked to the regulation of crucial proteins and kinases involved in platelet formation.

The study also highlighted the role of fatty acids – the building blocks of lipids – in this process. The researchers found that the uptake of fatty acids increased significantly during megakaryocyte maturation, alongside a boost in fatty acid synthesis. Manipulation of such resulted in profound thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by abnormally low platelet levels.

Importance for cardiovascular fitness

In essence, this study offers a remarkable new perspective on megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production, highlighting the interplay between lipids and proteins on cellular membrane transformation. “Our study provides a foundation for exploring how disruptions in lipid metabolism, seen in conditions like obesity, might affect platelet production and overall cardiovascular health,” says cardiologist Oliver Borst. Beyond scientific insights, this discovery holds promise for new avenues in addressing health challenges on the horizon.

Fig. 1. Lipid driven functional regulation and underlying mechanisms of MK maturation and thrombopoiesis.

This study focuses on the functional analysis and regulation of MK maturation and proplatelet formation, utilizing a multiomics approach and incorporating both in vitro and in vivo methodologies. To develop the multiomics method, hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from murine BM and subjected to a 7-day differentiation protocol with TPO. The SIMPLEX workflow, enabling simultaneous lipid and protein sample preparation, was employed to comprehensively determine the general molecular composition of MKs. The results revealed significant anionic lipid membrane remodeling and relocalization of the CKIP-1/CK2α complex to the plasma membrane, which appear to be essential for adequate platelet biogenesis. The graphical illustration was generated using BioRender.

Go to the publication in Nature Cardiovascular Research

Scientific contact
Prof. Dr. Robert Ahrends
Institut für Analytische Chemie
Universität Wien
1090 – Wien, Währinger Straße 38
+43-1-4277-52304
robert.ahrends@univie.ac.at
https://lipidomics.at/