The role of delta-6 desaturase on omega-3 fatty acid regulation of adipose tissue function

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Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N3PUFA) are important molecules that regulate numerous signaling pathways in white adipose tissue (WAT), including adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and adipokine production. The three most abundant N3PUFA found in the body are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Remarkably little is known about the individual roles of different N3PUFA because ALA is continuously converted into EPA/DHA in the body by the delta-6 desaturase (D6D) enzyme. To address this existing gap in knowledge, my NSERC-funded research program uses D6D knock-out (D6D-KO) mice that are unable to convert ALA into EPA/DHA to advance our fundamental understanding of how different N3PUFA regulate WAT metabolism. We recently discovered that D6D-KO mice fed a diet containing ALA (but no EPA/DHA) have smaller WAT fat pads and smaller adipocytes compared to wild-type mice fed the same diet, or D6D-KO mice fed a diet containing EPA/DHA. This novel discovery revealed that D6D-mediated conversion of ALA to EPA/DHA is of greater importance for WAT physiology than previously appreciated. Therefore, the objective of my proposed NSERC research program is to uncover the mechanisms by which ALA influences WAT fat pad and adipocyte size independent of EPA/DHA. First, we will establish if the expression and activity of key transcription factors that control adipogenesis are impaired in D6D-KO mice fed only ALA. Second, we will determine if the smaller adipocytes seen in D6D-KO mice fed only ALA stems from impaired fatty acid uptake and triacylglycerol storage pathways, or from increased activity of lipolysis and oxidation pathways. Finally, we will determine if D6D-KO mice fed only ALA show higher inflammatory signalling activity compared to mice fed EPA/DHA. We propose to run all studies in functional and dysfunctional adipose tissue, as well as in male and female mice, to further advance our understanding of the independent effects of different N3PUFA in WAT. Complementary experiments in cultured mouse adipocyte cells treated with individual N3PUFA and a D6D inhibitor will be used to validate key regulatory points in signalling pathways that were identified in our mouse studies. We hypothesize that the smaller fat pads / smaller adipocytes seen in D6D-KO mice fed only ALA is a result of both impaired adipogenesis, and reduced fatty acid uptake and triacylglycerol storage pathways. Further, we anticipate that feeding D6D-KO mice a diet containing EPA/DHA will prevent these impairments in WAT. The proposed studies are original and innovative, build upon our recent work, and will significantly advance our understanding of how different N3PUFA regulate WAT function. Further, the proposed research program will provide an outstanding training environment for HQP interested in integrating nutritional biochemistry, physiology, and bioinformatics.