Lipidomics
The Lipidomics Core Facility explores the intricate mammalian lipidome, where lipids wield pivotal roles in cell signaling, energy storage, and membrane architecture and functioning. Utilizing cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based techniques of lipidomics, our facility quantitatively analyses hundreds of lipids, shedding light on lipid-related diseases, notably cancer.
Our research
Our research group is devoted to delving into the intricate world of the mammalian lipidome. Within its expansive landscape lies a diverse array of lipid molecules that play pivotal roles in various biological processes. Beyond their structural significance in cellular membranes, lipids play regulatory roles in signaling pathways, energy storage, and more. The disruption of lipid homeostasis has been linked to serious disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Our laboratory is outfitted with cutting-edge mass spectrometers with direct infusion (shotgun lipidomics) and LC-MS capabilities, enabling us to quantitate hundreds of lipid species within mammalian samples. This encompassing analysis includes diverse lipid types like sterols, sphingolipids, glycerolipids, and glycerophospholipids. To expand our capabilities, we continually refine mass spectrometry and chromatography techniques, enabling the identification and quantification of an even broader range of lipid species. Furthermore, we design systems biology and bioinformatics strategies tailored to lipidomics, facilitating the interpretation of the vast datasets we generate.
Central to our group's mission is comprehending the roles of lipids in diseases. A pivotal area of focus is the exploration of lipid metabolic reprogramming in cancer, aimed at uncovering the underlying mechanisms that propel disease progression and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Notably, we spotlight the intricate interplay between obesity and cancer, investigating how adipocyte-secreted lipids impact the lipidomic reprogramming of cancer cells.
In addition, we foster collaborations with a diverse array of internal and external partners, enriching our efforts to illuminate the roles and functions of lipids not only in cancer but also in a spectrum of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, anorexia, bowel diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and an array of biological processes. Our group takes pride in actively supporting over 20 research teams worldwide.
Skorda A, Lauridsen AR, Wu C, Huang J, Mrackova M, Winther NI, Jank V, Sztupinszki Z, Strauss R, Bilgin M, Maeda K, Liu B, Luo Y, Jäättelä M, Kallunki T. Activation of invasion by oncogenic reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism via increased NPC1 expression and macropinocytosis. Oncogene. 2023 Aug;42(33):2495-2506. doi: 10.1038/s41388-023-02771-x. Epub 2023 Jul 7. PMID: 37420029; PMCID: PMC10421736
Mønsted MØ, Bilgin M, Kuzma M, Pelantová H, Pedersen K, Tomášová P, Nazmutdinova A, Šedivá B, Funda D, Castro-Mejía JL, Holm LJ, Nielsen DS, Haupt-Jorgensen M. Reduced phosphatidylcholine level in the intestinal mucus layer of prediabetic NOD mice. APMIS. 2023 Jun;131(6):237-248. doi: 10.1111/apm.13302. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 36811202
Pärn A, Olsen D, Tuvikene J, Kaas M, Borisova E, Bilgin M, Elhauge M, Vilstrup J, Madsen P, Ambrozkiewicz MC, Goz RU, Timmusk T, Tarabykin V, Gustafsen C, Glerup S. PCSK9 deficiency alters brain lipid composition without affecting brain development and function. Front Mol Neurosci. 2023 Jan 17;15:1084633. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1084633. PMID: 36733269; PMCID: PMC9887304
Foged MM, Maeda K, Bilgin M. Profiling the Mammalian Lipidome by Quantitative Shotgun Lipidomics. Methods Mol Biol. 2023;2625:89-102. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2966-6_8. PMID: 36653635
Stahl-Meyer K, Bilgin M, Holland LKK, Stahl-Meyer J, Kirkegaard T, Petersen NHT, Maeda K, Jäättelä M. Galactosyl- and glucosylsphingosine induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cell death in cancer cells. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 21;17(11):e0277058. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277058. PMID: 36409725; PMCID: PMC9678304
Core facility leader: Mesut Bilgin
Mesut Bilgin is an accomplished researcher and the driving force behind the Lipidomics Core Facility at the Danish Cancer Institute (DCI).
Since 2009, he has been at the forefront of pioneering mass spectrometry-based lipidomics methodologies. In 2015, Mesut became a research leader at DCI, where he established a state-of-the-art lipidomics laboratory, complete, thus creating an environment primed for comprehensive lipid research.
Throughout his career, Mesut has acquired a wealth of expertise in cancer biology, with fucus on roles of lipid metabolism in shaping cancer's pathophysiology. Guiding a team of highly skilled researchers, he remains steadfast in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of lipidomics research.
ORCID: 0000-0002-5034-8465
External services
The Lipidomics Core Facility provides lipidomics services to external customers, both in academia and in private companies. You can read more about the core facility services at