Using lipidomics for expanding the knowledge on lipid metabolism in plants

Lipids are a crucial and diverse class of biomolecules. Their structural heterogeneity in plants is staggering, and many aspects of plant life are manifested and mediated by lipids. Recent advances in metabolomic and lipidomic technologies and analysis have immensely increased our knowledge of the plant lipidome, its biosynthesis, regulation, adaptation, remodeling, functions, roles, and interactions. Here we review the recent literature and trends in lipidomics, and discuss specific issues pertaining to lipidomic research in plants, and how lipidomics has helped elucidate key issues in plant cell biology, immunity, response to stress, evolution, crop enhancement-to name but a few.