1
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Fock E, Parnova R. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and visual system: Focus on invertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 275:111023. [PMID: 39154851 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.111023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
A critical role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly docosahexaenoic acid 22:6ω3 (DHA), in the development and function of the brain and visual system is well established. DHA, the most abundant omega-3 PUFA in the vertebrate brain, contributes to neuro- and synaptogenesis, neuronal differentiation, synaptic transmission and plasticity, neuronal network formation, memory and behaviour formation. Based on these data, the unique importance of DHA and its irreplaceability in neural and retinal tissues has been postulated. In this review, we consider omega-3 PUFA composition in the brain and retina of various invertebrates, and show that DHA has only been found in marine mollusks and crustaceans. A gradual decrease in the DHA content until its disappearance can be observed in the brain lipids of the series marine-freshwater-terrestrial crustaceans and marine-terrestrial mollusks, suggesting that the transition to the land lifestyle in the evolution of invertebrates, but not vertebrates, was accompanied by a loss of DHA. As with terrestrial crustaceans and mollusks, DHA was not found in insects, either terrestrial or aquatic, or in nematodes. We show that the nervous and visual systems of various DHA-free invertebrates can be highly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid 18:3ω3 or eicosapentaenoic acid 20:5ω3, which affect neurological and visual function, stimulating synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, visual processing, learning and even cognition. The review data show that, in animals at different levels of organization, omega-3 PUFA are required for the functioning of the nervous and visual systems and that their specific needs can be met by various omega-3 PUFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Fock
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, Torez Av., 44, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Rimma Parnova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223, Torez Av., 44, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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2
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Mora I, Pérez-Santamaria A, Tortajada-Pérez J, Vázquez-Manrique RP, Arola L, Puiggròs F. Structured Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Enhances Motility and Promotes the Antioxidant Capacity of Aged C. elegans. Cells 2023; 12:1932. [PMID: 37566010 PMCID: PMC10417004 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human lifespan has increased over the past century; however, healthspans have not kept up with this trend, especially cognitive health. Among nutrients for brain function maintenance, long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA): DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) must be highlighted, particularly structured forms of EPA and DHA which were developed to improve bioavailability and bioactivity in comparison with conventional ω-3 supplements. This study aims to elucidate the effect of a structured triglyceride form of DHA (DHA-TG) on the healthspan of aged C. elegans. Using a thrashing assay, the nematodes were monitored at 4, 8, and 12 days of adulthood, and DHA-TG improved its motility at every age without affecting lifespan. In addition, the treatment promoted antioxidant capacity by enhancing the activity and expression of SOD (superoxide dismutase) in the nematodes. Lastly, as the effect of DHA-TG was lost in the DAF-16 mutant strain, it might be hypothesized that the effects of DHA need DAF-16/FOXO as an intermediary. In brief, DHA-TG exerted a healthspan-promoting effect resulting in both enhanced physical fitness and increased antioxidant defense in aged C. elegans. For the first time, an improvement in locomotive function in aged wild-type nematodes is described following DHA-TG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Mora
- Brudy Technology S.L., 08006 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julia Tortajada-Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.T.-P.); (R.P.V.-M.)
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael P. Vázquez-Manrique
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.T.-P.); (R.P.V.-M.)
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluís Arola
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Francesc Puiggròs
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Biotechnology Area, 43204 Tarragona, Spain
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3
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Jacquemyn J, Kuenen S, Swerts J, Pavie B, Vijayan V, Kilic A, Chabot D, Wang YC, Schoovaerts N, Corthout N, Verstreken P. Parkinsonism mutations in DNAJC6 cause lipid defects and neurodegeneration that are rescued by Synj1. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:19. [PMID: 36739293 PMCID: PMC9899244 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence links dysfunctional lipid metabolism to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, but the mechanisms are not resolved. Here, we generated a new Drosophila knock-in model of DNAJC6/Auxilin and find that the pathogenic mutation causes synaptic dysfunction, neurological defects and neurodegeneration, as well as specific lipid metabolism alterations. In these mutants, membrane lipids containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including phosphatidylinositol lipid species that are key for synaptic vesicle recycling and organelle function, are reduced. Overexpression of another protein mutated in Parkinson's disease, Synaptojanin-1, known to bind and metabolize specific phosphoinositides, rescues the DNAJC6/Auxilin lipid alterations, the neuronal function defects and neurodegeneration. Our work reveals a functional relation between two proteins mutated in Parkinsonism and implicates deregulated phosphoinositide metabolism in the maintenance of neuronal integrity and neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jacquemyn
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Department of Physiology, Department of Cell Biology, Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sabine Kuenen
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jef Swerts
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Pavie
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-Bioimaging Core, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vinoy Vijayan
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ayse Kilic
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries Chabot
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Technology Watch, Technology Innovation Laboratory, VIB, Gent, Belgium
| | - Nils Schoovaerts
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikky Corthout
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-Bioimaging Core, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrik Verstreken
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Yang L, Liang J, Lam SM, Yavuz A, Shui G, Ding M, Huang X. Neuronal lipolysis participates in PUFA-mediated neural function and neurodegeneration. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50214. [PMID: 33034119 PMCID: PMC7645260 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic cytoplasmic organelles present in most eukaryotic cells. The appearance of LDs in neurons is not usually observed under physiological conditions, but is associated with neural diseases. It remains unclear how LD dynamics is regulated in neurons and how the appearance of LDs affects neuronal functions. We discovered that mutations of two key lipolysis genes atgl-1 and lid-1 lead to LD appearance in neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans. This neuronal lipid accumulation protects neurons from hyperactivation-triggered neurodegeneration, with a mild decrease in touch sensation. We also discovered that reduced biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) causes similar effects and synergizes with decreased lipolysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these changes in lipolysis and PUFA biosynthesis increase PUFA partitioning toward triacylglycerol, and reduced incorporation of PUFAs into phospholipids increases neuronal protection. Together, these results suggest the crucial role of neuronal lipolysis in cell-autonomous regulation of neural functions and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,Present address:
Vector CoreChinese Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Jingjing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Sin Man Lam
- LipidAll Technologies Co., Ltd.ChangzhouChina
| | - Ahmet Yavuz
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsHuffington Center on AgingHoward Hughes Medical InstituteBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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5
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Sherry DM, Hopiavuori BR, Stiles MA, Rahman NS, Ozan KG, Deak F, Agbaga MP, Anderson RE. Distribution of ELOVL4 in the Developing and Adult Mouse Brain. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:38. [PMID: 28507511 PMCID: PMC5410580 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ELOngation of Very Long chain fatty acids (ELOVL)-4 is essential for the synthesis of very long chain-fatty acids (fatty acids with chain lengths ≥ 28 carbons). The functions of ELOVL4 and its very long-chain fatty acid products are poorly understood at present. However, mutations in ELOVL4 cause neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases that vary according to the mutation and inheritance pattern. Heterozygous inheritance of different ELOVL4 mutations causes Stargardt-like Macular Dystrophy or Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 34. Homozygous inheritance of ELOVL4 mutations causes more severe disease characterized by seizures, intellectual disability, ichthyosis, and premature death. To better understand ELOVL4 and very long chain fatty acid function in the brain, we examined ELOVL4 expression in the mouse brain between embryonic day 18 and postnatal day 60 by immunolabeling using ELOVL4 and other marker antibodies. ELOVL4 was widely expressed in a region- and cell type-specific manner, and was restricted to cell bodies, consistent with its known localization to endoplasmic reticulum. ELOVL4 labeling was most prominent in gray matter, although labeling also was present in some cells located in white matter. ELOVL4 was widely expressed in the developing brain by embryonic day 18 and was especially pronounced in regions underlying the lateral ventricles and other neurogenic regions. The basal ganglia in particular showed intense ELOVL4 labeling at this stage. In the postnatal brain, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, and medulla all showed prominent ELOVL4 labeling, although ELOVL4 distribution was not uniform across all cells or subnuclei within these regions. In contrast, the basal ganglia showed little ELOVL4 labeling in the postnatal brain. Double labeling studies showed that ELOVL4 was primarily expressed by neurons, although presumptive oligodendrocytes located in white matter tracts also showed labeling. Little or no ELOVL4 labeling was present in astrocytes or radial glial cells. These findings suggest that ELOVL4 and its very long chain fatty acid products are important in many parts of the brain and that they are particularly associated with neuronal function. Specific roles for ELOVL4 and its products in oligodendrocytes and myelin and in cellular proliferation, especially during development, are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Sherry
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Blake R Hopiavuori
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Megan A Stiles
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Negar S Rahman
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kathryn G Ozan
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ferenc Deak
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Martin-Paul Agbaga
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Robert E Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
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6
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Ziegler AB, Ménagé C, Grégoire S, Garcia T, Ferveur JF, Bretillon L, Grosjean Y. Lack of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Causes Synapse Dysfunction in the Drosophila Visual System. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135353. [PMID: 26308084 PMCID: PMC4550417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients for animals and necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. A lack of PUFAs can result from the consumption of a deficient diet or genetic factors, which impact PUFA uptake and metabolism. Both can cause synaptic dysfunction, which is associated with numerous disorders. However, there is a knowledge gap linking these neuronal dysfunctions and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Because of its genetic manipulability and its easy, fast, and cheap breeding, Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as an excellent model organism for genetic screens, helping to identify the genetic bases of such events. As a first step towards the understanding of PUFA implications in Drosophila synaptic physiology we designed a breeding medium containing only very low amounts of PUFAs. We then used the fly’s visual system, a well-established model for studying signal transmission and neurological disorders, to measure the effects of a PUFA deficiency on synaptic function. Using both visual performance and eye electrophysiology, we found that PUFA deficiency strongly affected synaptic transmission in the fly’s visual system. These defects were rescued by diets containing omega-3 or omega-6 PUFAs alone or in combination. In summary, manipulating PUFA contents in the fly’s diet was powerful to investigate the role of these nutrients on the fly´s visual synaptic function. This study aims at showing how the first visual synapse of Drosophila can serve as a simple model to study the effects of PUFAs on synapse function. A similar approach could be further used to screen for genetic factors underlying the molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunctions associated with altered PUFA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna B. Ziegler
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- * E-mail: (ABZ); (YG)
| | - Cindy Ménagé
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Stéphane Grégoire
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Thibault Garcia
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-François Ferveur
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Lionel Bretillon
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Yael Grosjean
- CNRS, UMR6265 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- INRA, UMR1324 CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, UMR CSGA, 21000, Dijon, France
- * E-mail: (ABZ); (YG)
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7
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Antonny B, Vanni S, Shindou H, Ferreira T. From zero to six double bonds: phospholipid unsaturation and organelle function. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:427-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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8
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Prasain JK, Hoang HD, Edmonds JW, Miller MA. Prostaglandin extraction and analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Vis Exp 2013. [PMID: 23851568 PMCID: PMC3728984 DOI: 10.3791/50447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is emerging as a powerful animal model to study the biology of lipids1-9. Prostaglandins are an important class of eicosanoids, which are lipid signals derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)10-14. These signalling molecules are difficult to study because of their low abundance and reactive nature. The characteristic feature of prostaglandins is a cyclopentane ring structure located within the fatty acid backbone. In mammals, prostaglandins can be formed through cyclooxygenase enzyme-dependent and -independent pathways10,15. C. elegans synthesizes a wide array of prostaglandins independent of cyclooxygenases6,16,17. A large class of F-series prostaglandins has been identified, but the study of eicosanoids is at an early stage with ample room for new discoveries. Here we describe a procedure for extracting and analyzing prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. Charged lipids are extracted from mass worm cultures using a liquid-liquid extraction technique and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The inclusion of deuterated analogs of prostaglandins, such as PGF2 α-d4 as an internal standard is recommended for quantitative analysis. Multiple reaction monitoring or MRM can be used to quantify and compare specific prostaglandin types between wild-type and mutant animals. Collision-induced decomposition or MS/MS can be used to obtain information on important structural features. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) survey scans of a selected mass range, such as m/z 315-360 can be used to evaluate global changes in prostaglandin levels. We provide examples of all three analyses. These methods will provide researchers with a toolset for discovering novel eicosanoids and delineating their metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeevan K Prasain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
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9
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Genetic variants of the FADS gene cluster and ELOVL gene family, colostrums LC-PUFA levels, breastfeeding, and child cognition. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17181. [PMID: 21383846 PMCID: PMC3044172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breastfeeding effects on cognition are attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), but controversy persists. Genetic variation in fatty acid desaturase (FADS) and elongase (ELOVL) enzymes has been overlooked when studying the effects of LC-PUFAs supply on cognition. We aimed to: 1) to determine whether maternal genetic variants in the FADS cluster and ELOVL genes contribute to differences in LC-PUFA levels in colostrum; 2) to analyze whether these maternal variants are related to child cognition; and 3) to assess whether children's variants modify breastfeeding effects on cognition. Methods Data come from two population-based birth cohorts (n = 400 mother-child pairs from INMA-Sabadell; and n = 340 children from INMA-Menorca). LC-PUFAs were measured in 270 colostrum samples from INMA-Sabadell. Tag SNPs were genotyped both in mothers and children (13 in the FADS cluster, 6 in ELOVL2, and 7 in ELOVL5). Child cognition was assessed at 14 mo and 4 y using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, respectively. Results Children of mothers carrying genetic variants associated with lower FADS1 activity (regulating AA and EPA synthesis), higher FADS2 activity (regulating DHA synthesis), and with higher EPA/AA and DHA/AA ratios in colostrum showed a significant advantage in cognition at 14 mo (3.5 to 5.3 points). Not being breastfed conferred an 8- to 9-point disadvantage in cognition among children GG homozygote for rs174468 (low FADS1 activity) but not among those with the A allele. Moreover, not being breastfed resulted in a disadvantage in cognition (5 to 8 points) among children CC homozygote for rs2397142 (low ELOVL5 activity), but not among those carrying the G allele. Conclusion Genetically determined maternal supplies of LC-PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation appear to be crucial for child cognition. Breastfeeding effects on cognition are modified by child genetic variation in fatty acid desaturase and elongase enzymes.
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10
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Aitlhadj L, Ávila DS, Benedetto A, Aschner M, Stürzenbaum SR. Environmental exposure, obesity, and Parkinson's disease: lessons from fat and old worms. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:20-8. [PMID: 20797931 PMCID: PMC3018495 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common link has been exposed, namely, that metal exposure plays a role in obesity and in Parkinson's disease (PD). This link may help to elucidate mechanisms of neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE We reviewed the utility of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model organism to study neurodegeneration in obesity and Parkinson's disease (PD), with an emphasis on the neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA). DATA SOURCES A PubMed literature search was performed using the terms "obesity" and any of the following: "C. elegans," "central nervous system," "neurodegeneration," "heavy metals," "dopamine" or "Parkinson's disease." We reviewed the identified studies, including others cited therein, to summarize the current evidence of neurodegeneration in obesity and PD, with an emphasis on studies carried out in C. elegans and environmental toxins in the etiology of both diseases. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS Heavy metals and DA have both been linked to diet-induced obesity, which has led to the notion that the mechanism of environmentally induced neurodegeneration in PD may also apply to obesity. C. elegans has been instrumental in expanding our mechanism-based knowledge of PD, and this species is emerging as a good model of obesity. With well-established toxicity and neurogenetic assays, it is now feasible to explore the putative link between metal- and chemical-induced neurodegeneration. CONCLUSIONS One side effect of an aging population is an increase in the prevalence of obesity, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative orders, diseases that are likely to co-occur. Environmental toxins, especially heavy metals, may prove to be a previously neglected part of the puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Aitlhadj
- King’s College London, Pharmaceutical Science Division, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexandre Benedetto
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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11
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Branicky R, Desjardins D, Liu JL, Hekimi S. Lipid transport and signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Dyn 2010; 239:1365-77. [PMID: 20151418 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The strengths of the Caenorhabditis elegans model have been recently applied to the study of the pathways of lipid storage, transport, and signaling. As the lipid storage field has recently been reviewed, in this minireview we (1) discuss some recent studies revealing important physiological roles for lipases in mobilizing lipid reserves, (2) describe various pathways of lipid transport, with a particular focus on the roles of lipoproteins, (3) debate the utility of using C. elegans as a model for human dyslipidemias that impinge on atherosclerosis, and (4) describe several systems where lipids affect signaling, highlighting the particular properties of lipids as information-carrying molecules. We conclude that the study of lipid biology in C. elegans exemplifies the advantages afforded by a whole-animal model system where interactions between tissues and organs, and functions such as nutrient absorption, distribution, and storage, as well as reproduction can all be studied simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Branicky
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ben Gedalya T, Loeb V, Israeli E, Altschuler Y, Selkoe DJ, Sharon R. Alpha-synuclein and polyunsaturated fatty acids promote clathrin-mediated endocytosis and synaptic vesicle recycling. Traffic 2008; 10:218-34. [PMID: 18980610 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2008.00853.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (alphaS) is an abundant neuronal cytoplasmic protein implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its physiological function remains unknown. Consistent with its having structural motifs shared with class A1 apolipoproteins, alphaS can reversibly associate with membranes and help regulate membrane fatty acid composition. We previously observed that variations in alphaS expression level in dopaminergic cultured cells or brains are associated with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and altered membrane fluidity. We now report that alphaS acts with PUFAs to enhance the internalization of the membrane-binding dye, FM 1-43. Specifically, alphaS expression coupled with exposure to physiological levels of certain PUFAs enhanced clathrin-mediated endocytosis in neuronal and non-neuronal cultured cells. Moreover, alphaS expression and PUFA-enhanced basal and -evoked synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis in primary hippocampal cultures of wild type (wt) and genetically depleted alphaS mouse brains. We suggest that alphaS and PUFAs normally function in endocytic mechanisms and are specifically involved in SV recycling upon neuronal stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tziona Ben Gedalya
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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