lipidimetabolian

Lipidimetabolian is a proposed class of lipid-derived metabolites that are envisioned to act as intermediates or regulators within lipid metabolism. The term combines lipid with metabolian, a notional label for metabolic mediators, and is primarily used in theoretical discussions rather than as a widely adopted biochemical designation. In this framework, lipidimetabolians are diverse molecules that originate from lipid substrates and participate in signaling and metabolic control.

The concept posits that lipidimetabolians could arise from established lipid pathways such as lipolysis, β-oxidation, phospholipid remodeling, and oxylipin formation. They are hypothesized to function at the interface of metabolism and signaling, influencing enzyme activity in lipolysis, directing metabolic flux through oxidation and energy production, and modulating transcriptional programs via nuclear receptors or energy-sensing networks. In this view, they may act as short-lived signaling mediators, lipid ligands for receptors, or metabolic nodes that couple nutrient status to gene expression.

Biosynthesis and fate of lipidimetabolians would depend on the local lipid environment, enzyme expression, and cellular energy status. Their proposed regulation is linked to common lipidogenic and lipolytic regulators, including PPARs, SREBP, AMPK, and mTOR pathways.

Research status: The term is not a standard in biochemistry and remains largely theoretical. References are limited to speculative discussions, and there is no consensus definition or experimental validation yet. Further work would be required to establish a concrete class, characteristic structures, and definitive roles.