Researchers at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have created a comprehensive fat map of the human brain. This detailed atlas shows where different lipids reside in various brain regions. In time, this resource could sharpen the understanding of mental disorders and cognitive diseases, potentially guiding new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and schizophrenia. The work was explained by RT scientists.
The study reveals how distinct lipid types are distributed across brain areas and how neural tissue is composed at the molecular level. Lipids form a vital part of cell membranes and brain tissue, and current investigations are increasingly focused on how lipid profiles relate to brain health. In the coming years, the findings may translate into medical advances that depend on lipid biology to maintain or restore brain function.
To build the map, the researchers analyzed brain connectivity by mapping molecular composition and estimating charge and mass relationships. They examined 75 brain regions and identified 419 unique lipids. For instance, cholesterol was found in higher amounts in subcortical regions, while the prefrontal cortex showed comparatively lower levels. These patterns help illuminate how lipid variation might influence neural circuits and cognitive processes.
Looking ahead, the team plans to extend the analysis to subcortical structures and to incorporate samples from individuals with psychiatric or neurological conditions. The broader goal is to deepen the understanding of how lipid profiles alter brain connectivity and function across health and disease states.
According to Maria Osetrova, a research engineer at the Center for Neurobiology and Neurorehabilitation, a complete unraveling of the lipidome could shed light on the origins of mental disorders and their impact on brain structure and activity.
Before this work, researchers linked brain acid levels to the presence of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The team noted that elevated brain lactate levels may be associated with conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, depression, and other mental health challenges that affect brain function.
Earlier findings also suggested a connection between diet and mood, with fat-rich diets linked to improvements in certain aspects of mental well-being. These contemporary insights emphasize how lipid chemistry intersects with neural health and everyday brain performance .