Deciphering the molecular role and regulation highly unsaturated fatty acids during reproduction and development using zebrafish as model system
Loading...
Date
2009
Authors
Alexander Chong, Shu-Chien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) include docosahexanoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid and arach idonic
acid are pivotal to proper cellular activities. The roles of these fatty acids during reproduction and
development have yet to be fully determined. Using zebrafish as a model organism, we investigated the
roles of these molecules by analysing the mRNA expression of 2 enzymes involved in HUFA biosynthesis.
Firstly, we showed the upregulation of these genes in the pre-maturational stages of oocytes, giving
indication of their potential role in governing oocyte maturation. We also showed the presence of these
genes in embryonic brain, liver, intestine and pronephros, which provide us with valuable insights on the
role and utilization of HUFAs by different organs during development.