scholarly journals The Various Roles of Fatty Acids

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla de Carvalho ◽  
Maria Caramujo
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Structural Functions

Lipids comprise a large group of chemically heterogeneous compounds. The majority have fatty acids (FA) as part of their structure, making these compounds suitable tools to examine processes raging from cellular to macroscopic levels of organization. Among the multiple roles of FA, they have structural functions as constituents of phospholipids which are the “building blocks” of cell membranes; as part of neutral lipids FA serve as storage materials in cells; and FA derivatives are involved in cell signalling. Studies on FA and their metabolism are important in numerous research fields, including biology, bacteriology, ecology, human nutrition and health. Specific FA and their ratios in cellular membranes may be used as biomarkers to enable the identification of organisms, to study adaptation of bacterial cells to toxic compounds and environmental conditions and to disclose food web connections. In this review, we discuss the various roles of FA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and highlight the application of FA analysis to elucidate ecological mechanisms. We briefly describe FA synthesis; analyse the role of FA as modulators of cell membrane properties and FA ability to store and supply energy to cells; and inspect the role of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and the suitability of using FA as biomarkers of organisms.

Acyl-CoA measurements in plants suggest a role in regulating various cellular processes

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Graham ◽  
Y. Li ◽  
T. R. Larson
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Organelle Biogenesis ◽  
Medium Chain ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Transgenic Oilseed Rape ◽  
Detection And Quantification

Acyl-CoA esters have been shown to be involved in regulating metabolism and cell signalling in bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells, but little is known about their role in plants. Using a new method for the sensitive detection and quantification of acyl-CoA esters, we have recently shown that acyl-CoA pools can be dramatically altered in transgenic oilseed rape embryos, engineered to produce medium-chain fatty acids, and in mutant Arabidopsis seedlings that are unable to mobilize storage lipid. The consequences of these alterations are discussed in the context of oil yield and organelle biogenesis and the possible role of acyl-CoAs in regulating these processes.

scholarly journals The role of very long chain fatty acids in yeast physiology and human diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 402 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-38
Author(s):  
Pia Erdbrügger ◽  
Florian Fröhlich
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Lipid Mediators ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Lipid Homeostasis ◽  
Long Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Elongation Cycle ◽  
Long Chain ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

AbstractFatty acids (FAs) are a highly diverse class of molecules that can have variable chain length, number of double bonds and hydroxylation sites. FAs with 22 or more carbon atoms are described as very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFAs are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through a four-step elongation cycle by membrane embedded enzymes. VLCFAs are precursors for the synthesis of sphingolipids (SLs) and glycerophospholipids. Besides their role as lipid constituents, VLCFAs are also found as precursors of lipid mediators. Mis-regulation of VLCFA metabolism can result in a variety of inherited diseases ranging from ichthyosis, to myopathies and demyelination. The enzymes for VLCFA biosynthesis are evolutionary conserved and many of the pioneering studies were performed in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A growing body of evidence suggests that VLCFA metabolism is intricately regulated to maintain lipid homeostasis. In this review we will describe the metabolism of VLCFAs, how they are synthesized, transported and degraded and how these processes are regulated, focusing on budding yeast. We will review how lipid metabolism and membrane properties are affected by VLCFAs and which impact mutations in the biosynthetic genes have on physiology. We will also briefly describe diseases caused by mis-regulation of VLCFAs in human cells.

The role of diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 and -2 in the incorporation of hydroxy fatty acids into triacylglycerol in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing a castor bean oleate 12-hydroxylase geneThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue from the National Research Council of Canada – Plant Biotechnology Institute.

Botany ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 552-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Dauk ◽  
Patricia Lam ◽  
Mark A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Plant Biotechnology ◽  
Hydroxy Fatty Acids ◽  
Acyltransferase Activity ◽  
Unusual Fatty Acids ◽  
Arabidopsis Mutant ◽  
Mutant Lines

Expression of oleate 12-hydroxylase genes in Arabidopsis results in the accumulation of hydroxy fatty acids in seed triacylglycerol (TAG). The pathways by which these unusual fatty acids become incorporated into TAG are not well understood. We expressed a fatty acid hydroxylase cDNA in Arabidopsis mutant lines to assess the role of three enzymes implicated in TAG assembly in this species. Plants deficient in the expression of phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 or -2 accumulated hydroxy fatty acids and showed no differences to equivalent transformed wild-type plants. Plants lacking diacylglylcerol acyltransferase activity were also able to accumulate hydroxy fatty acids in seed neutral lipids. Triacylglycerol species containing one and two hydroxy fatty acids were abundant, and small amounts of trihydroxy-TAG were detected. These results indicate that individually, the three enzymes do not play a major role in the incorporation of hydroxy fatty acids into TAG.

scholarly journals Multiple Roles of Diatom-Derived Oxylipins within Marine Environments and Their Potential Biotechnological Applications

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Ruocco ◽  
Luisa Albarano ◽  
Roberta Esposito ◽  
Valerio Zupo ◽  
Maria Costantini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Chemical Defence ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Marine Biota ◽  
Biotechnological Applications ◽  
Anticancer Compounds ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions

The chemical ecology of marine diatoms has been the subject of several studies in the last decades, due to the discovery of oxylipins with multiple simultaneous functions including roles in chemical defence (antipredator, allelopathic and antibacterial compounds) and/or cell-to-cell signalling. Diatoms represent a fundamental compartment of marine ecosystems because they contribute to about 45% of global primary production even if they represent only 1% of the Earth’s photosynthetic biomass. The discovery that they produce several toxic metabolites deriving from the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, known as oxylipins, has changed our perspectives about secondary metabolites shaping plant–plant and plant–animal interactions in the oceans. More recently, their possible biotechnological potential has been evaluated, with promising results on their potential as anticancer compounds. Here, we focus on some recent findings in this field obtained in the last decade, investigating the role of diatom oxylipins in cell-to-cell communication and their negative impact on marine biota. Moreover, we also explore and discuss the possible biotechnological applications of diatom oxylipins.

The role of neutral lipids in the physiology and ecology of subarctic Dicranum elongatum

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 1902-1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pirjo Karunen
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid Content ◽  
Steryl Esters ◽  
The Common ◽  
Growth Chambers ◽  
Dim Light

Temperature (1–23 °C) had little effect on the percentage composition of fatty acids in the common and acetylenic triglycerides of Dicranum elongatum Schleich., though the triglyceride contents in both green and senescent parts were highly dependent on temperature. Field material collected in October from low temperature and dim light plus dark conditions, when exposed to light (140 μE m−2 s−1) in growth chambers, showed increased amounts of acetylenic triglycerides most prominently at low temperature, and decreased amounts of the common triglycerides most prominently at the highest temperature. An overall increase of triglycerides (common plus acetylenic) was found only at low temperature (1 and 6 °C).In contrast to the triglycerides, the fatty acid content of the combined steryl plus wax esters increased only slightly (9%) at low temperature (1 °C). At elevated temperature (17 and 23 °C) the content in both green and senescent parts decreased in conjunction with growth. Temperature (1–17 °C) had no great effect on the proportions of the alkyl or acyl moieties of the esters. At 23 °C, however, a clear decrease was found in the proportions of 20:4 ω6 and 18:3 ω3, along with an increase in the proportion of saturated fatty acids. This was most pronounced in the green segment, where the proportion of the steryl esters was lowest.

Effect of changes in lipid classes during wilting and ensiling of red clover using two silage additives onin vitroruminal biohydrogenation

2016 ◽  
Vol 154 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. GADEYNE ◽  
K. DE RUYCK ◽  
G. VAN RANST ◽  
N. DE NEVE ◽  
B. VLAEMINCK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Control Distribution ◽  
Microbial Lipases ◽  
Sufficient Variation

SUMMARYAlthough forage lipid is generally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), recovery of these fatty acids (FA) in milk and meat of ruminant origin is generally low, due to microbial biohydrogenation (BH) taking place in the rumen. Since lipolysis is a prerequisite for BH, the latter process is expected to be enhanced when (conserved) forages contain lower levels of esterified FA (particularly polar lipids; PL). However, this was not observed in former studies with red clover (Trifolium pratenseL.). Furthermore, red clover inclusion in the herbivore's diet was associated with decreased rumen BH as compared with other forages. Differences in plant lipase activity during wilting and ensiling has been attributed to changes in disappearance from the PL fraction, but a potential role of microbial lipasesin silohas not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess whether BH of red clover FA is linked with PL levels of the (conserved) starting material and to clarify the possible role ofin silomicrobial activity on PL disappearance. In order to obtain sufficient variation in forage PL and microbial activity, laboratory-scale silages were made by wilting and ensiling damaged or undamaged red clover using molasses or formic acid as ensiling additive, while perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) was used as a control. Distribution of lipids within three lipid fractions (PL, free FA and neutral lipids) in forages was determined and BH calculated after 24 hin vitrorumen incubation. Results indicated microbial lipases in silages did not enhance FA disappearance from the PL fraction. A gradual decrease of FA in the PL fraction upon conservation was found, both in red clover and ryegrass, irrespective of the degree of damage. In red clover PL losses started from the wilting phase, while substantial PL disappearance from ryegrass only started upon ensiling. Proportions of PUFA remaining in the PL fraction after wilting and ensiling of red clover were positively correlated with PUFA BH, while this effect was not observed for ryegrass. Red clover PUFA seemed to be partially protected against ruminal BH, while disappearance of FA from the PL fraction did not seem to be hampered. Results indicated the encapsulation mechanism as a consequence of protein-bound phenol formation induced by polyphenol oxidase is still the most probable hypothesis to explain red clover's increased flow of PUFA across the rumen.

Fructose utilization by lung

1984 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. K. Das ◽  
A. Neogi ◽  
H. Steinberg
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Enzyme Reaction ◽  
Phospholipid Biosynthesis ◽  
Acid Moiety ◽  
Metabolizing Enzymes ◽  
Mammalian Lung ◽  
Lactate And Pyruvate

We have examined the role of fructose as a substrate for the mammalian lung. Isolated and ventilated rat lungs were perfused for 2 h in the presence of either [U-14C]- or [5-3H]fructose. Fructose utilization, 3H2O production, and lactate and pyruvate production were measured. Insulin had no effect on the production of radiolabeled lactate. The 14C label from [U-14C]fructose was incorporated into the neutral lipids, phospholipids, fatty acid moiety, and deacylated fraction of lung. The apparent Km and maximum velocity of enzyme reaction for fructose utilization were 0.5 mM and 75 nmol X h-1 X g dry wt-1, respectively. Recovery of fructose 1-phosphate and fructose 1,6-diphosphate after perfusion with fructose, as well as detection of fructokinase, aldolase, and triokinase activities in the lung homogenates, suggested that fructose had been metabolized via phosphorylation through fructose 1-phosphate. Activities of fructose-metabolizing enzymes were not altered by the induction of diabetes, hypophysectomy, or starvation. These results suggest that mammalian lungs may utilize fructose to synthesize fatty acids, which in turn are used for phospholipid biosynthesis. The utilization of fructose by lung does not seem to be affected by nutritional or hormonal conditions.

Alcohol intake impairs glucose counterregulation during acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia in IDDM patients. Evidence for a critical role of free fatty acids

Diabetes ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 1626-1634 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Avogaro ◽  
P. Beltramello ◽  
L. Gnudi ◽  
A. Maran ◽  
A. Valerio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Free Fatty Acids ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Critical Role
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