Exploring the Physiological Roles of Unsaturated Fatty Acids Using C. elegans

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), classified broadly as unsaturated fatty acids, are macronutrients that have a wide range of physiological effects. It is known that unsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in a diet, but it is unclear which specific MUFAs and PUFAs are required and what the physiological consequences of having different amounts of these fatty acids and their metabolites in the body are. Specific omega‐3 and omega‐6 PUFAs have been shown to be beneficial to human diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, and certain cognitive impairments. This study aims to investigate the physiological roles of individual MUFAs and PUFAs. From this study, we will gain the preliminary knowledge for making dietary and treatment suggestions for patients with various disease states and in normal aging. To do this, we will use the model organism C. elegans because of its short lifespan and abundance of genetic tools available (including single and multiple genetic knockouts of fatty acid desaturase enzymes). Additionally, findings from studies in C. elegans reliably translate to human disease. Preliminary data suggests that specific MUFAs and PUFAs are essential for normal lifespan, physiological functions, and neurodevelopment. This study will expand on this by examining every available genetic knockout of fatty acid desaturase enzyme in the worm. We will conduct lifespan assays in order to observe changes in the median and maximum lifespans of different genetic knockouts compared to the wild type as well as thrashing assays, a measure of physical fitness. We hypothesize that certain unsaturated fatty acids play more important physiologic roles than others and the corresponding downstream metabolites are important lipid signaling molecules. Preliminary results from the lab confirm these hypotheses, as the genetic strains tested thus far show variations in lifespan and fitness.Support or Funding InformationThis project was funded by the MSU Startup Fund, NIEHS ‐ R00 ES024806, and NSF ‐DMS‐1761320.