NEUROMETABOLISM

FATTY ACID METABOLISM REGULATION IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The Ellis Lab is concentrated on understanding the roles and regulation of the enzymes that dictate the rate and fate of fatty acid metabolism within the various cell type of the central nervous system. Dietary fatty acid composition affects the susceptibility and severity of many neurological diseases; however, there is a dearth of understanding about how neurons, astrocytes, and microglia uniquely regulate intracellular fatty acid metabolism. The Ellis lab is focused on understanding the fatty acid metabolic enzymes that are critical for protecting the brain against cell stress and disease. We focus on a specific group of enzymes responsible for the formation of acyl-CoAs, which are the activated form of fatty acids whose synthesis is required for cellular retention and for metabolism of fatty acids. Specifically, we have identified that an enzyme, acyl-CoA synthetase 6 (Acsl6) is critical for enriching the brain with the neuroprotective omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and are using a murine genetic model to determine the regulation and consequences of Acsl6-mediated fatty acid metabolism. Our work will elucidate how brain fatty acid metabolism is controlled and have broad-reaching impact on therapeutic and preventative measures for numerous neurological diseases.