Control of fatty acid desaturation: a mechanism conserved from bacteria to humans

Summary Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) have profound effects on the fluidity and function of biological membranes. Microorganisms, plants and animals regulate the synthesis of UFAs during changing environmental conditions as well as in response to nutrients. UFAs homeostasis in many organisms is ach...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular microbiology 2006-12, Vol.62 (6), p.1507-1514
Main Authors: Aguilar, Pablo S., De Mendoza, Diego
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Bacteria - enzymology
Bacteria - genetics
Bacteria - metabolism
Bacteriology
Biological and medical sciences
Fatty Acid Desaturases - genetics
Fatty Acid Desaturases - metabolism
Fatty acids
Fatty Acids - metabolism
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated - metabolism
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
Humans
Lipid Metabolism
Lipids
Membranes
Microbiology
Miscellaneous
Models, Biological
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Summary Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) have profound effects on the fluidity and function of biological membranes. Microorganisms, plants and animals regulate the synthesis of UFAs during changing environmental conditions as well as in response to nutrients. UFAs homeostasis in many organisms is achieved by feedback regulation of fatty acid desaturase gene transcription through signalling pathways that are governed by sensors embedded in cellular membranes. Here, we review recently discovered components of the regulatory machinery governing the transcription of fatty acid desaturases in bacteria, yeasts and animals that indicate an ancient role of transmembrane signalling mechanisms and integrate membrane composition with lipid biosynthesis.
ISSN:0950-382X
1365-2958
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2958.2006.05484.x