1. Signalling pathways controlling fatty acid desaturation.
- Author
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Mansilla MC, Banchio CE, and de Mendoza D
- Subjects
- Animals, Bacillus subtilis metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Insulin physiology, Leptin physiology, Membrane Fluidity physiology, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors physiology, Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism, Schizosaccharomyces metabolism, Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase metabolism, Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins physiology, Synechocystis metabolism, Fatty Acid Desaturases metabolism, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated physiology, Signal Transduction physiology
- Abstract
Microorganisms, plants and animals regulate the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) during changing environmental conditions as well as in response to nutrients. Unsaturation of fatty acid chains has important structural roles in cell membranes: a proper ratio of saturated to UFAs contributes to membrane fluidity. Alterations in this ratio have been implicated in various disease states including cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, cancer and obesity. They are also the major components of triglycerides and intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active molecules such as eicosanoids, which mediates fever, inflammation and neurotransmission. UFAs homeostasis in many organisms is achieved by feedback regulation of fatty acid desaturases gene transcription. Here, we review recently discovered components and mechanisms of the regulatory machinery governing the transcription of fatty acid desaturases in bacteria, yeast and animals.
- Published
- 2008
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