Novel functions of plasmalogens at the cell-cell contact site

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26440102
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Cell biology
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Honsho Masanori 九州大学, 生体防御医学研究所, 特任准教授 (90372747)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: プラスマローゲン / コレステロール / 細胞接着

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to uncover novel functions of plasmalogens. I found that plasmalogens are required for the expression of connexin 43, a protein that forms gap junctions in sertoli cells. Moreover, absence of plasmalogens reduces localization of E-cadherin at adherens junctions in MCF7 cells which retain characteristics of differentiated mammary epithelium. Both connexin 43 and E-cadherin are shown to be enriched in lipid rafts, a cholesterol- and sphyngolipid-enriched compartment of the plasma membrane. Analysis of cholesterol synthesis by modulating the cellular level of plasmalogens revealed that homeostasis of plasmalogen is important for the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis by controlling the stability of squalene monooxygenase, the proposed second rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Together, these results suggest that plasmalogens play important roles in several physiological processes in mammals.

Free Research Field

細胞生物