Showing papers by "John L. Harwood published in 2017"
TL;DR: A dramatic, heterogenous landscape of molecular species was revealed, demonstrating significantly different lipid compositions between the various tissue types within the seed, implying differential regulation of lipid metabolism between the different tissue types of the seed.
Abstract: The regulation of lipid synthesis in oil seeds is still not fully understood. Oilseed rape is the third most productive vegetable oil crop on the global market. Therefore, increasing our understanding of lipid accumulation in oilseed rape seeds is of great economic, as well as intellectual, importance. Matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionisation - mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a technique that allows the mapping of metabolites directly onto intact biological tissues, giving a spatial context to metabolism. We have used MADLI-MSI to study the spatial distribution of two major lipid species, triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs). A dramatic, heterogeneous landscape of molecular species was revealed, demonstrating significantly different lipid compositions between the various seed tissues. The embryonic axis was particularly enriched in lipid species containing palmitate, while the seed coat/aleurone layer accumulated vaccenic, linoleic and α-linoleic acids. Furthermore, the lipid composition of the inner and outer cotyledons differed to each other, a remarkable discovery given the supposed identical functionality of these two tissues. TAG and PC molecular species distribution was analysed through a developmental time series covering early seed lipid accumulation to the end of lipid accumulation. The spatial patterning of lipid molecular species did not vary much during seed development, although there were exceptions. Data gathered using MALDI-MSI was verified through gas chromatography analysis of dissected seeds. The distinct lipid distribution profiles observed implies differential regulation of lipid metabolism between the different seed tissues. Further understanding of this differential regulation will enhance efforts to improve oilseed rape productivity and quality.
64 citations
TL;DR: Dietary supplementation with EPA has the potential to alter the ceramide profile of the skin, and this may contribute to its anti-inflammatory profile, which has implications for formation of the epidermal lipid barrier, and signalling pathways within the skin mediated by ceramides and other sphingolipid species.
58 citations
30 Jul 2017
TL;DR: There are over a thousand naturally occurring fatty acids, many of which are present in plants, but only a dozen are quantitatively important but there is considerable potential to increase the usage of less common acids, especially as specialized chemicals or renewable feedstocks.
Abstract: There are over a thousand naturally occurring fatty acids, many of which are present in plants. Broadly speaking, fewer than a dozen are quantitatively important but there is considerable potential to increase the usage of less common acids, especially as specialized chemicals or renewable feedstocks.
18 citations
01 Jan 2017
TL;DR: The three major oilseed crops are rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower as mentioned in this paper, and the composition, and therefore properties of these oils, and the various uses which they are put to in the culinary and industrial sectors.
Abstract: Global demand for fats and oils is high and continually rising on a yearly basis. Oilseeds provide a substantial contribution toward this need, feeding into both culinary and industrial markets. The three major oilseed crops are rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower. Linseed oil is also included as, although low in productivity compared to other crops, it has interesting properties and commercial uses. This article discusses the composition, and therefore properties of these oils, and the various uses which they are put to in the culinary and industrial sectors. In addition, information is given regarding the global and regional production of each crop.
11 citations
TL;DR: Working in such a diverse field and in organisms from microbes to humans, contrasting areas which range from environmental impacts to food production and on to human health are described.
Abstract: Lipids are key molecules for membranes, energy storage and signalling. I have been privileged to have worked in such a diverse field and in organisms from microbes to humans. Here I will describe some of those contrasting areas which range from environmental impacts to food production and on to human health. It has been a fascinating journey which still continues to excite me.