Lipid metabolism in stratum corneum essential for the maintenace of intercellular ceramides mediated by a novel transmembrane lipase

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25870403
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General medical chemistry; Dermatology
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: OHGAKI Ryuichi 大阪大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (20467525)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 表皮バリア / 脂質代謝 / リパーゼ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Stratum corneum lipids were extracted from both wild type- and lipase knockout neonates, and analyzed by mass-spectrometry. This lipidomics revealed that the deletion of the lipase gene alters a wide variety of lipid molecules ranging over several subclasses including ceramides, cholesterols, cholesterol esters, free fatty acids, monoglycerides and so on. Structural analyses by small angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope indicated that the lamellar lipid structure in stratum corneum was significantly disturbed whereas the overall organization of epidermal tissue was not apparently altered. These results demonstrate that the process of lipid metabolism mediated by the lipase is critically important for the maintenance of the overall lipid composition and lamellar structures of lipids in stratum corneum. The outcome of this study may contribute to identify a novel causative gene for dermatosis and to understand its pathological condition.

Free Research Field

生化学・細胞生物学