Discovery of Hundreds of New N-acyl Lipids Expands Understanding of Human Metabolism

Human metabolism is an intricate network of chemical reactions that facilitate energy production, cell signaling, and interaction with the microbiome. Recent research by scientists at the University of California San Diego has uncovered a significant advancement in our understanding of these complex processes through the identification of over 850 distinct N-acyl lipids across various tissues and fluids. Notably, 777 of these molecules are newly documented, highlighting a previously unrecognized diversity within human metabolic compounds. Many of these newly discovered metabolites are believed to originate from the gut microbiome, emphasizing their potential role in health and disease.

Published in the journal Cell, the study demonstrates that these lipids, including many short-chain fatty acid derivatives, are crucial components in microbial metabolism and may serve as communication molecules between our body and the microbiota. The distribution of these molecules varies depending on factors such as diet, microbial colonization, and health conditions like diabetes, suggesting their production is influenced by and potentially impacts these variables.

Furthermore, the research team found associations between certain microbial metabolites and HIV status, as well as cognitive impairment, indicating a possible link between gut microbiota and neurological health. These findings open new avenues for exploring how the microbiome influences systemic health and disease outcomes.

The discovery of this vast array of metabolites enriches the existing metabolic dictionary and offers promising insights into the biochemical dialogue between humans and their microbiota. As Dr. Helena Mannochio Russo, the study’s lead researcher, states, "This is just the beginning," highlighting the potential for future research to decipher the complex interactions governing human health.

This breakthrough underscores the importance of reverse metabolomics in identifying unknown molecules and understanding their roles, which could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in medicine.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-hundreds-acyl-lipids-dictionary-human.html