ANYL 279 |
| Advances in mass spectrometric techniques over the past two decades have made an extraordinary impact on biological chemistry and insight into biochemical mechanisms. Much of the focus of recent advances has been in the area of protein and peptide mass spectrometry; however, a parallel revolution in the use of mass spectrometry in lipid biochemistry has also taken place. It is now possible to analyze all lipids by mass spectrometry in spite of the fact that many of these molecules are nonvolatile and collisional activation of lipid derived ions yields a wealth of structural information. Eicosanoid biochemistry has been an area where significant advances have been made. Specific challenges remain with even the most abundant lipids when complex mixtures of closely related molecular species are the focus of study, such as that for glyceryl lipids and glycerophospholipids. Assessment of molecular species distribution has demanded the development of new strategies, even with these abundant lipids. The detection of biologically active lipid compounds such as the eicosanoids requires sensitive techniques to delineate the detailed biochemical events which takes place within a cell because these lipids are typically present at very low concentrations. A relevant example is the complex process by which leukotrienes are produced within cells. A detailed understanding of events taking place in cells that express 5-lipoxygenase has required the power of mass spectrometry to unravel the mysteries of this pathway of arachidonate metabolism. |
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Honoring Richard Caprioli, Field and Franklin Mass Spectrometry Awardee
8:30 AM-11:50 AM, Tuesday, 28 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- B213, Oral
Division of Analytical Chemistry |