Elongation and desaturation capacity of 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids and their influence on the non-specific immune response of Astyanax fasciatus

• Grant number: 20/10937-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Renata Guimarães Moreira Whitton
• Grantee: Jennifer Lima de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/11725-2 - Integration of systemic and mucosal responses to stressors in Aquacultured fish, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The animals are unable to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with 18 carbons (C18), considered essential FA, which are obtained through the diet. C18 PUFAs can be bioconverted by the action of desaturases and elongase enzymes in long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFA), such as EPA (20:5n3), DHA (22:6n3) and ARA (20:4n6). However, several organisms, including some teleost species, have a reduced ability in this conversion. LC-PUFAs are involved in many physiological processes, as precursors of signaling molecules (lipid mediators) and essential components of cell membranes, interfering in growth, reproduction and inflammatory responses. In the cell membranes, these FA can undergo the action of enzymes such as cyclooxygenases, originating prostaglandins (PGs). PGE2, derived from ARA, has, in general, a pro-inflammatory action, while PGE3, derived from EPA, has anti-inflammatory action, acting on the immune system. In the eutrophic environments, rich in algae producing C18 PUFAs, high percentages of LC-PUFA n-3 have been found in Astyanax fasciatus, but little is known about their ability to bioconvert FA, besides their effect on the immune response. A. fasciatus is a teleost found in South America and inhabits environments with different levels of degradation. This project will evaluate the capacity of this species to elongate and desaturate C18 PUFAs in LC-PUFA, evaluating the gene expression of desaturases and elongases, in addition to the influence of PUFA C18 on the non-specific immune response, contributing to this unexplored area. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, Jennifer Lima de. longation and desaturation capacity of 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids and their relation with the non-specific immune response of Psalidodon fasciatus. 2024. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) São Paulo.