Recent studies have shown that in addition to their traditionally recognized functions as building blocks, energy stores, or hazardous intermediates, lipids also have the ability to act as signaling molecules with potent effects on systemic metabolism and metabolic diseases. This Perspective highlights this somewhat less apparent biology of lipids, especially focusing on de novo lipogenesis as a process that gives rise to key messenger molecules mediating interorgan communication. Elucidating the mechanisms of lipid-dependent coordination of metabolism promises invaluable insights into the understanding of metabolic diseases and may contribute to the development of a new generation of preventative and therapeutic approaches.
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