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Preparation, Purification, and Use of Fatty Acid-containing Liposomes
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Fatty Acid Desaturation Gets a NAD+ Reputation
Andrew J Lutkewitte1, Shawn C Burgess2, Brian N Finck1
1Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Sciences, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Cell Metabolism
|April 4, 2019
Summary
Enzymes delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase produce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) during unsaturated fatty acid synthesis. This production is an adaptive response to NAD+ depletion, potentially regulating cellular REDOX status.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases are key enzymes in synthesizing highly unsaturated fatty acids.
- Cellular REDOX status is crucial for cell function and is often maintained by NAD+ levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of desaturase enzymes in NAD+ production.
- To understand the adaptive response of cells to NAD+ depletion.
- To explore the link between desaturase activity, NAD+ synthesis, and cellular REDOX balance.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme assays to measure desaturase activity.
- Cellular models to induce NAD+ depletion.
- Biochemical analysis of NAD+ levels and REDOX indicators.
Main Results:
- Desaturase-mediated reactions were shown to produce NAD+.
- This NAD+ production was identified as an adaptive response to cellular NAD+ depletion.
- The findings suggest a regulatory role in maintaining cellular REDOX status.
Conclusions:
- Delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases play a novel role in NAD+ biosynthesis.
- Desaturase activity can be a compensatory mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress.
- This pathway offers a new target for understanding and modulating cellular REDOX balance.
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