Functional elucidation of anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 PUFAs focusing on the omega-3 PUFA specific metabolic pathway

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860034
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: ISOBE Yosuke 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 統合生命医科学研究センター, 基礎科学特別研究員 (80724335)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: オメガ3脂肪酸 / 抗炎症作用 / シトクロムP450

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are well known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have suggested that oxidation of double bond in the omega-3 position of EPA might be important for omega-3 PUFAs' anti-inflammatory actions. Here, we tried to identify enzyme(s) which is involved in the oxidation reaction of EPA, and to identify target molecule(s) of EPA-derived bioactive metabolites.
For enzyme identification, we have developed an assay system which can comprehensively evaluate oxidation activity of PUFA-metabolizing enzymes using transient gene expression in mammalian cells. By using this system, we identified several cytochrome P450s (CYPs) as candidates which oxidize double bond in the omega-3 position of EPA. In addition, we found that several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) were activated by treatment of EPA-derived bioactive metabolites.

Free Research Field

脂質生化学