Comprehensive electrochemical probe to map cellular fats (lipids)
Panoptic electrochemical probe for next-generation mass spectrometry based-lipidomics
This project builds a new lab tool that uses tiny electrical droplets with mass spectrometry to read detailed fat (lipid) structures related to cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179446 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is creating a microdroplet electrochemical probe that works with mass spectrometers to label and reveal the exact structures of lipids in biological samples. They plan to apply voltage-controlled chemical changes at tiny droplet interfaces to speed up reactions and separate lipid isomers that current methods miss. The method will be tested on complex samples so researchers can better link specific lipid structures to disease processes. This aims to give clearer molecular maps of lipid changes in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers or cardiovascular disease who can provide blood or tissue samples for laboratory lipid analysis would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without lipid-related conditions or those unable to provide biological samples are unlikely to be directly involved or benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new diagnostic markers and treatment targets by showing specific lipid changes tied to disease.
How similar studies have performed: Mass spectrometry and chemical derivatization have improved lipid analysis before, but using microdroplet electrochemical derivatization for broad lipid isomer identification is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Xin — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Yan, Xin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.