A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Outcomes and future activities of the ‘Pan-European network in Lipidomics and EpiLipidomics – EpiLipidNET’
Authors: Kuligowski, Julia; Bertrand-Michel, Justine; Cazenave-Gassiot, Amaury; Goracci, Laura; Domingues, Pedro; Orešič, Matej; Thorsteinsdottir, Margret; Gruber, Florian; Willighagen, Egon L.; Spickett, Corinne M.; Ruskovska, Tatjana; O’Donnell, Valerie B.; Prabutzki, Patricia; Petrović, Snježana; Godzien, Joanna; Tortorella, Sara; Reis, Ana; Dias, Irundika H. K.; Schleyer, Guy; Domingues, Rosário; Fedorova, Maria
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Metabolomics
Article number: 42
Volume: 22
ISSN: 1573-3882
eISSN: 1573-3890
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-026-02396-7
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-026-02396-7
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/516198665
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Background
Lipidomics and its branch epilipidomics are rapidly advancing fields that explore the roles of native and modified lipids (e.g., oxidized, nitrated and halogenated lipid species), respectively, in biological systems. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and signaling contributes to numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory conditions. However, multiple challenges, including lack of standardization, limited data integration, and poor clinical translation, hinder progress. To address these, the COST Action EpiLipidNET (CA19105) established a pan-European network fostering collaboration across disciplines to accelerate lipid science and its application to health and disease.
Aim of reviewThis review outlines the achievements of EpiLipidNET over its four-year duration, highlights key scientific contributions across five thematic working groups, and presents the future direction of its ongoing activities. The aim is to demonstrate how a collaborative, interdisciplinary framework can catalyze innovation in lipidomics and epilipidomics, enhance methodological harmonization, support early-career researchers, and bridge the gap between basic science, clinical translation, industry, stakeholders, and public engagement.
Key scientific concepts of reviewEpiLipidNET structured its networking activities around (i) harmonization of analytical workflows, (ii) development of epilipidomics tools and data integration strategies, (iii) translational studies for clinical lipid biomarkers, (iv) investigation of lipid signaling mechanisms, and (v) dissemination and outreach. The network supported over 460 members globally, launched multiple training schools and scientific missions, produced 110+ publications, and fostered new initiatives in endothelial membrane lipidomics, food lipidomics, plant and algae lipids, and redox lipid biology. Its integrative approach sets a foundation for continued progress toward precision medicine and sustainable health interventions through lipid science.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. This publication is based upon work from COST Action Pan-European Network in Lipidomics and EpiLipidomics (EpiLipidNET), CA19105, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). MRD acknowledges to FCT/MCTES the financial support to UID Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e Mar (CESAM) UID/50017/2025 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UID/50017/2025) and LA/P/0094/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0094/2020) and Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde - Tecnologias e Processos Limpos UID/50006/2025 through national funds and, where applicable, co-financed by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020. AR acknowledges funding from FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., within Norma Transitória - DL 57/2016/CP1346/CT0006. IHKD acknowledges funding support from Aston University Research and Knowledge Exchange programme. Work in the Fedorova lab is supported by ‘‘Sonderzuweisung zur Unterstützung profilbestimmender Struktureinheiten’’ by the SMWK to TUD, TG70 by Sächsische Aufbaubank and SMWK, the measure is co-financed with tax funds on the basis of the budget passed by the Saxon state parliament (to M.F.), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (FE 1236/5 − 1, FE 1236/8 − 1, TRR 412/1–535081457), and Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (031L0315A, DEEP_HCC and 01EJ2205A, FERROPath to M.F.). JG acknowledges the Ministry of Education and Science (Poland) within the project ‘‘Excellence Initiative - Research University’’. PP acknowledges funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), grant number 565977762. LIPID MAPS is funded by the Medical Research Council (UK) (MR/Y000064/1). CMS acknowledges funding from EU Horizon 2020 for Cofund MemTrain under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847419 and from UKRI’s Research England “Expanding Excellence in England (E3)” programme for Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME).
