Elucidation of the mechanism of skin barrier improving effect of sphingolipids focusing on absorption and metabolism

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02931
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 38050:Food sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: SUGAWARA Tatsuya 京都大学, 農学研究科, 教授 (70378818)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 安藤 晃規 京都大学, 農学研究科, 助教 (10537765) ; 真鍋 祐樹 京都大学, 農学研究科, 助教 (20730104)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: セラミド / スフィンゴ脂質 / 安定同位体 / 結合タンパク質 / 消化管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, the mechanism by which oral intake of sphingolipids improves skin barrier function was investigated. A search for molecules with binding ability to sphingoid bases led to the identification of candidate molecules that bind to sphingoid bases, including a protein involved in mitochondrial membrane permeability and in glycosylation. In addition, the blood kinetics of ceramide in mice were investigated using stable isotope labeling compounds, and it was shown that some of the orally ingested ceramide was directly absorbed without being degraded to its constituent elements. Furthermore, it was found that some ceramides were re-synthesized into ceramides in the body after being digested and absorbed.

Free Research Field

食品機能学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

いわゆるセラミド素材であるスフィンゴ脂質の経口摂取によって、皮膚バリア向上作用が示されているが、その消化や吸収の詳細は不明の部分が多く残されている。本研究成果から、セラミドの一部は消化されずに直接吸収されることや、スフィンゴ脂質の分解物であるスフィンゴイド塩基が結合するタンパク質の候補分子が見出された。これらの成果は、スフィンゴ脂質の吸収機構や作用メカニズムの解明につながるものであり、スフィンゴ脂質の更なる高度利用にも寄与する知見といえる。