Lipid metabolism comprises a set of biochemical processes involving synthesis, breakdown, and utilization of lipids (fats). It lies at the heart of cellular energy homeostasis, membrane synthesis, and various signalling pathways. Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, and serve as structural components of cellular membranes, energy storage molecules, and signalling molecules. Lipid metabolism encompasses their synthesis, degradation, and transport, ensuring the availability of lipids for various cellular functions. It encompasses both anabolic and catabolic processes. Anabolism involves the synthesis of complex lipids from simpler precursors, whilst catabolism is the breakdown of lipids, either to release energy or to produce other essential molecules. Triglycerides are critically involved in anabolic lipid metabolism. Triglyceride synthesis (lipogenesis) occurs primarily in the liver and in adipose tissue. Acetyl-CoA serves as the precursor for triglyceride synthesis. Acetyl-CoA is carboxylated to form malonyl-CoA, an intermediate in the synthesis of fatty acids via fatty acid synthase (FAS). FAS catalyses a series of reactions that elongate fatty acids, which are then esterified with glycerol forming triglycerides. The regulation of lipogenesis is regulated by both hormonal and nutritional factors, with insulin promoting its activity. The reverse process, lipolysis, involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. Lipolysis primarily occurs in adipose tissue, where triglycerides stored in lipid droplets are broken down to provide energy during fasting or during periods of increased energy demand. Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) catalyses the hydrolysis of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol and the released fatty acids are then transported in the bloodstream bound to albumin, reaching various tissues. Fatty acids are the building blocks of complex lipids and undergo various modifications to fulfil their roles in membrane synthesis, energy production, and signalling. Fatty acid activation involves the attachment of a CoA molecule to the fatty acid, forming acyl-CoA. This step is essential for the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation, a process that generates acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2, which feed into the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP. Phospholipids, components of cell membranes, are synthesized through pathways involving various intermediates. The glycerol phosphate pathway utilizes glycerol-3-phosphate and fatty acyl-CoA to synthesize phosphatidic acid, a precursor for various phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. Additionally, the Kennedy pathway involves the conversion of diacylglycerol and activated head groups to form phospholipids. Cholesterol, another important lipid, serves as a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and cell membrane components. Cholesterol synthesis occurs mainly in the liver, regulated by the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Insulin and other factors also influence cholesterol synthesis and uptake through feedback mechanisms. Finally, lipid transport systems ensure lipids are efficiently moved within and between cells. Lipoproteins, complexes of lipids and proteins, transport lipids in the bloodstream. Chylomicrons, formed in the intestine, transport dietary lipids to various tissues. Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) transport endogenous triglycerides synthesized in the liver, whilst high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) participate in reverse cholesterol transport, removing excess cholesterol from tissues and returning it to the liver. We offer a comprehensive product range of research reagents for investigating lipid metabolism, including Cytochrome C antibodies, Apolipoprotein A I antibodies, LRP1 antibodies, Apolipoprotein A I ELISA Kits, and Apolipoprotein E ELISA Kits. Explore our full lipid metabolism product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Cholesterol Metabolism, Cytochromes, and Lipases product ranges.