Thesis
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and ether-linked lipids in oxidative stress defense
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2019
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101499
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important molecules that aid in membrane structure and fluidity. PUFAs also are precursors to important signaling molecules. Humans do not have the ability to synthesize PUFAs themselves, and instead need to consume essential PUFAs from their diet. C. elegans does not have this limitation. Several studies have determined PUFA function through the use of C. elegans as a model organism. PUFAs, though essential, are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a problem all aerobic organisms face. To regulate oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) must be cleared by endogenous enzymes. A recent theory to clear ROS involves ether-linked lipids, which have an ether bond connecting one of the fatty acyl chains to the glycerol backbone of a phospholipid rather than two ester bonds. This ether bond is thought to prevent lipid peroxidation by reducing ROS and forming a non-reactive aldehyde. However, it is unclear how this theory works in the context of other lipids, especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To address how ether lipids and PUFA composition affect oxidative stress defense, we used C. elegans fatty acid desaturase mutants to generate various double mutants that lack ether lipids and had altered PUFA compositions. We found that ether lipid deficiency may only be detrimental to oxidative stress resistance when long chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs) are present. We found that altering PUFA composition could not fully rescue the shortened lifespan caused by ether lipid deficiency, nor does reducing PUFAs affect survival at colder temperatures. Finally, both ether lipids and PUFAs are required for optimal reproduction.
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Details
- Title
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids and ether-linked lipids in oxidative stress defense
- Creators
- Andrea Connor
- Contributors
- Jennifer Lynn Watts (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Molecular Biosciences, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525012501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis