Lipids Course

Lesson 1 • Lipid Extraction and Isolation Basics

Introduces solvent-based and mechanical extraction methods for isolating lipids from biological matrices. Prepares students for analytical techniques covered later.

Lesson 2 • Physical Properties of Lipids

Examines melting points, phase behavior, and packing geometry of lipids. Links physical properties to membrane fluidity and food texture applications.

Lesson 3 • Major Lipid Classes Overview

Surveys glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and waxes as distinct structural families. Connects each class to its primary physiological context.

Lesson 4 • Fatty Acid Structure and Nomenclature

Teaches carbon chain length, saturation, and systematic naming conventions. Provides the structural vocabulary needed to understand complex lipid classes.

Lesson 1 • Glycerophospholipid Biosynthesis Pathways

Explains the Kennedy pathway and CDP-diacylglycerol route for phospholipid synthesis. Establishes metabolic context for understanding lipid-related disorders.

Lesson 2 • Triacylglycerol Metabolism

Covers lipase-mediated hydrolysis, re-esterification, and lipolysis regulation. Links TAG turnover to energy homeostasis and adipose tissue physiology.

Lesson 3 • Phospholipid Classes and Head Groups

Covers phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and related classes. Connects head group chemistry to membrane and signaling functions.

Lesson 4 • Triacylglycerol Structure and Diversity

Details sn-position nomenclature, fatty acid distribution, and structural diversity of TAGs. Builds on fatty acid knowledge to explain energy storage lipids.

Lesson 1 • Sphingolipid Signaling Networks

Examines sphingosine-1-phosphate, ceramide-1-phosphate, and their receptor-mediated effects. Connects sphingolipid mediators to immune regulation and cancer biology.

Lesson 2 • Sphingolipid Catabolism and Storage Disorders

Details lysosomal degradation enzymes and consequences of their deficiency. Bridges biochemistry to clinical presentations of sphingolipidoses.

Lesson 3 • Sphingomyelin and Complex Sphingolipids

Covers sphingomyelin synthesis, degradation, and its role in lipid rafts. Extends to gangliosides and sulfatides as complex sphingolipid subclasses.

Lesson 4 • Sphingoid Bases and Ceramide

Introduces sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and ceramide as the structural core of sphingolipids. Connects ceramide to apoptosis and stress signaling.

Lesson 1 • Bile Acid Synthesis and Function

Explains primary and secondary bile acid formation, conjugation, and enterohepatic circulation. Connects bile acids to dietary fat absorption and gut microbiome interactions.

Lesson 2 • Mevalonate Pathway and Cholesterol Synthesis

Traces acetyl-CoA through HMG-CoA reductase to squalene and lanosterol. Explains rate-limiting steps and statin pharmacology targets.

Lesson 3 • Isoprenoids and Non-Sterol Mevalonate Products

Surveys dolichols, ubiquinone, farnesyl, and geranylgeranyl groups derived from the mevalonate pathway. Connects isoprenoids to protein prenylation and mitochondrial function.

Lesson 4 • Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis

Covers conversion of cholesterol to glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex steroids, and vitamin D. Links cytochrome P450 enzymes to hormonal diversity.

Lesson 1 • Lipoprotein Classes and Composition

Describes VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL, and chylomicrons by density, lipid content, and apolipoprotein complement. Provides the structural framework for understanding lipoprotein metabolism.

Lesson 2 • Gastrointestinal Lipid Digestion

Covers lingual, gastric, and pancreatic lipase activities and bile salt emulsification. Establishes the enzymatic sequence that converts dietary fats to absorbable products.

Lesson 3 • Intestinal Absorption and Chylomicron Assembly

Explains fatty acid and monoacylglycerol uptake by enterocytes, re-esterification, and chylomicron packaging. Links intestinal processing to lymphatic lipid delivery.

Lesson 4 • Receptor-Mediated Lipid Uptake

Covers LDL receptor pathway, scavenger receptors, and SR-BI-mediated HDL cholesterol delivery. Connects receptor biology to cholesterol homeostasis and atherosclerosis risk.

Lesson 1 • Ketone Body Synthesis and Utilization

Covers hepatic ketogenesis from acetyl-CoA, ketone body transport, and extrahepatic oxidation. Connects ketone metabolism to fasting, diabetes, and ketogenic diet physiology.

Lesson 2 • Beta-Oxidation of Saturated Fatty Acids

Details the four-step mitochondrial spiral, acyl-CoA entry via carnitine shuttle, and ATP yield calculation. Provides the mechanistic foundation for understanding fatty acid catabolism.

Lesson 3 • Oxidation of Unsaturated and Odd-Chain Fatty Acids

Explains additional isomerase and reductase steps for unsaturated fatty acids and propionyl-CoA metabolism. Extends beta-oxidation knowledge to physiologically relevant substrates.

Lesson 4 • De Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis

Explains acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase complex, and elongation to palmitate. Connects cytosolic synthesis to nutritional state and insulin signaling.

Lesson 1 • Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators

Introduces resolvins, protectins, maresins, and lipoxins as resolution-phase lipid mediators. Distinguishes active resolution from passive cessation of inflammation.

Lesson 2 • Eicosanoid Biosynthesis and Function

Traces arachidonic acid through COX, LOX, and CYP450 pathways to prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and EETs. Connects eicosanoid diversity to inflammation, pain, and vascular tone.

Lesson 3 • Phospholipase Signaling and Second Messengers

Covers PLC, PLD, and PLA2 activation, generating DAG, IP3, and arachidonic acid. Establishes lipid-derived second messenger systems as a signaling foundation.

Lesson 4 • Lysophospholipid and Sphingolipid Mediators

Examines LPA, S1P, and ceramide as extracellular and intracellular signaling lipids. Connects these mediators to cell survival, migration, and immune trafficking.

Lesson 1 • Dyslipidemias: Classification and Pathophysiology

Covers Fredrickson classification, genetic and secondary dyslipidemias, and their lipoprotein phenotypes. Connects molecular defects to clinical lipid abnormalities.

Lesson 2 • Lipids in Cancer and Neurological Disease

Examines lipid reprogramming in cancer, myelin lipid composition, and lipid changes in neurodegeneration. Applies lipid biology to oncology and neuroscience contexts.

Lesson 3 • Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Lipid Risk

Explains foam cell formation, plaque progression, and lipid-driven inflammatory mechanisms. Links LDL oxidation, HDL function, and Lp(a) to cardiovascular risk stratification.

Lesson 4 • Lipid-Lowering Pharmacotherapy

Surveys statins, fibrates, niacin, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and omega-3 prescriptions by mechanism. Evaluates efficacy, safety profiles, and combination strategies.