Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
06:09
Using En Face Immunofluorescence Staining to Observe Vascular Endothelial Cells Directly
Published on: August 20, 2019
Action of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on cellular function.
Arthur A Spector1, Andrew W Norris
1Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. arthur-spector@uiowa.edu
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|September 22, 2006
Summary
Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) mediate cardiovascular and renal functions. Inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enhances beneficial EET actions, making sEH a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are lipid mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid.
- EETs play critical roles in cardiovascular and renal systems, including vasodilation and anti-inflammatory effects.
- EETs exert functions via receptor binding, intracellular interactions, and PPAR activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functional roles of EETs in physiological systems.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying EET actions.
- To identify soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) as a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Studied EET synthesis from arachidonic acid via cytochrome P-450 epoxygenases.
- Investigated EET effects on smooth muscle ion channels and signaling pathways.
- Examined EET metabolism to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) catalyzed by sEH.
- Assessed the impact of EETs and metabolites on PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation.
Main Results:
- EETs activate large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, causing vasorelaxation.
- EETs exhibit anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and mitogenic effects in vasculature and kidney.
- EETs are rapidly metabolized to DHETs by sEH, attenuating their beneficial actions.
- EETs and metabolites activate PPARalpha and PPARgamma.
Conclusions:
- EETs are key mediators in cardiovascular and renal function with diverse beneficial effects.
- sEH-mediated metabolism of EETs to DHETs limits their therapeutic potential.
- Inhibition of sEH represents a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance EET-mediated beneficial functions.
Related Concept Videos
02:24Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides
Epoxides that are three-membered ring systems are more reactive than other cyclic and acyclic ethers. The high reactivity of epoxides originates from the strain present in the ring. This ring strain acts as a driving force for epoxides to undergo ring-opening reactions either with halogen acids or weak nucleophiles in the presence of mild acid. The acid catalyst converts the epoxide oxygen, a poor leaving group, into an oxonium ion, a better leaving group, making the reaction feasible. The...
01:28Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER
Biological membranes are more than just a barrier separating cell cytoplasm from the outside environment. They are highly dynamic and help maintain the integrity and physiological stability of the cells as well as membrane-bound organelles. Membranes also play vital roles in cell-to-cell and intracellular communication.
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...