H-1 NMR visible lipids in the life and death of cells

A functionally and metabolically interesting class of cell lipid can be obs erved by H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in situ, These p rominent resonances are not only associated with malignancy and cell death, but also act as heralds of benign processes, such as cell activation and p roliferation. Originally, these NMR observations were explained with a memb rane lipid microdomain model. However, recent studies have identified intra cellular droplets, so called lipid bodies, as important contributors to the se resonances. This finding bears novel implications for our understanding and assessment of lipid biochemistry in the life and death of cells.