LipidCruncher: An open-source platform for processing, visualizing, and analyzing lipidomic data

BackgroundAdvances in mass spectrometry (MS)-based lipidomics have led to a significant surge in data volume, underscoring a need for robust tools to efficiently evaluate and visualize these expansive datasets. While numerous software tools have been developed, current workflows are hindered by manual spreadsheet handling and insufficient data quality assessment prior to analysis. Here, we introduce LipidCruncher, an open-source, web-based platform designed to easily process, visualize, and analyze lipidomic data with high efficiency and rigor. ResultsLipidCruncher consolidates key steps of the lipidomics analysis workflow, including data standardization, normalization, and stringent quality controls. The platform also provides advanced visualization and analysis tools that are tailored to interrogate lipidomic data and enable detailed and holistic data exploration. To illustrate LipidCrunchers utility, we analyzed lipidomic data from adipose tissue of mice lacking the triacylglycerol synthesis enzymes DGAT1 and DGAT2. ConclusionsLipidCruncher fills a specific gap in the lipidomics analysis ecosystem by providing an integrated, quality-focused platform that accepts data from multiple sources and complements existing specialized tools. By bridging the critical divide between data generation and biological interpretation, LipidCruncher facilitates rigorous lipidomics analyses to accelerate the translation of complex lipid profiles into biological insights.