Lipid signalling describes vital mechanisms by which cells communicate and regulate various physiological processes involving lipids. Lipids, a diverse group of hydrophobic biomolecules, play crucial roles in cellular signalling, serving as both structural components and signalling molecules. Lipid mediators are small molecules derived from membrane lipids that frequently act as important second messengers in signalling pathways. They include phospholipids, sphingolipids, eicosanoids, and the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) derived from fatty acid precursors, amongst others. These lipid mediators are produced in response to specific stimuli and exert their effects by binding to specific receptors or modulating intracellular signalling pathways. Phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), serve as a precursor for second messengers like inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG), which play critical roles in intracellular calcium signalling and protein kinase C (PKC) activation, respectively. For instance, IP3 triggers the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to various cellular responses, while DAG activates PKC, influencing processes like cell proliferation and differentiation. Sphingolipids, including sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramide, and sphingomyelin, also function as crucial lipid signalling molecules. S1P regulates diverse cellular processes such as cell migration, angiogenesis, immune cell trafficking, and vascular tone. Ceramide, on the other hand, can induce apoptosis or regulate cell proliferation, depending on the cellular context. Eicosanoids, derived from arachidonic acid, play essential roles in inflammation, pain, and immune responses. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes are prominent eicosanoids that regulate these various physiological functions. For instance, prostaglandins can mediate inflammation and pain perception, whilst leukotrienes are involved in allergic and asthmatic responses. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), activate cannabinoid receptors involved in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in humans plays a role in regulating several physiological processes, including pain perception and regulation, inflammation control, neurotransmitter function and appetite and sleep regulation. Lipid signalling pathways have complex effects on various physiological processes. One notable example is the role of lipid signalling in inflammation. Upon tissue injury or infection, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes are activated, leading to the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Arachidonic acid can then serve as a substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, resulting in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, respectively. These lipid mediators regulate processes such as vasodilation, vascular permeability, and recruitment of immune cells, orchestrating the inflammatory response. A final significant example of lipid signalling is in the regulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Phospholipase C (PLC) activation generates IP3 and DAG, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and activation of PKC, respectively. These signalling events then contribute to insulin granule exocytosis and subsequent glucose homeostasis. We offer a large product range of research reagents for investigating lipid signaling, including PTEN antibodies, Annexin A1 antibodies, DOK1 antibodies, Apolipoprotein H ELISA Kits, and IGFBP1 ELISA Kits. Explore our full lipid signaling product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Lipid Kinases, Lipid Phosphatases, and Prostaglandins product ranges.