Elucidation of physiological roles of fatty acyl species of late endosome-specific phospholipid BMP

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16246
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: LEE-OKADA Hyeon-Cheol 順天堂大学, 医学部, 助教 (30758321)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: BMP / DHA / DPA / PUFA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

BMP is an enigmatic phospholipid that is specifically localized in intralumenal vesicles of late endosomes, and is thought to be essential for proper functions of late endosomes. BMP has a propensity to incorporate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, the physiological meaning of PUFA-containing BMP fatty acyl species is unknown. We created a knockout mouse line that showed reduced levels of PUFA-containing BMP, and found that they had increase levels of oxidative stress markers. We also found that these mice were susceptible to reagents that cause oxidative stress. These data taken together suggest that BMP efficiently incorporates labile PUFAs to avoid oxidative environment within the cells.

Free Research Field

脂質生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

様々な疾患や病態に対し、予防・治療効果を示すオメガ３脂肪酸は、サプリメントとしても人気のある重要な栄養素の一つである。オメガ３脂肪酸は分子内に不飽和結合を多数有するため、非常に酸化されやすい性質を有しているが、生体がどのようにオメガ３脂肪酸の酸化を防いでいるか不明であった。本研究は細胞内へ取り込まれたオメガ３脂肪酸がどのように酸化から守られているか説明する分子機構の一端を明らかにする研究であり、本研究を継続しオメガ３脂肪酸の細胞内動態をより詳細に解析することにより、オメガ３脂肪酸をより効率よく摂取する方法論の開発へと繋げたいと考えている。