John L. Harwood

Bio: John L. Harwood is an academic researcher from Cardiff University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lipid metabolism & Fatty acid. The author has an hindex of 60, co-authored 420 publications receiving 16081 citations. Previous affiliations of John L. Harwood include John L. Scott & Spanish National Research Council.

Enzymes of phosphoinositide metabolism during rat brain development.

Abstract: —The activities of four enzymes concerned with inositol lipid metabolism have been determined in homogenates of rat brains of different ages. The enzymes are CDP-diglyceride inositol phosphatidate transferase, phosphatidylinositol kinase, diphosphoinositide kinase and triphosphoinositide phosphomonoesterase. The activities of all the enzymes increased with age. Phosphatidylinositol kinase activity rose most sharply well before myelination, reaching a maximum at about 6 days of age. Diphosphoinositide kinase and triphosphoinositide phosphomonoesterase activities increased most rapidly during myelination. The increase in CDP-diglyceride inositol phosphatidate transferase showed no definite association with any period of development. It is concluded that triphosphoinositide metabolism is associated with myelin or a closely related structure.

Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid regulate modified LDL uptake and macropinocytosis in human macrophages.

Abstract: There is evidence that long chain n-3 PUFA (such as from fish oils) provide atheroprotection through, in part, changes in macrophage function although it has not been fully determined whether these n-3 PUFA target cellular mechanisms that control macrophage foam cell formation Therefore, we investigated whether the n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA, modulate modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake by human macrophages The uptake of fluorophore labeled acetylated LDL (AcLDL) and/or oxidized LDL (OxLDL) by THP-1 macrophages and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages were measured by flow cytometry following co-incubation with EPA or DHA in vitro DHA inhibited both AcLDL and OxLDL uptake in human macrophages whilst EPA reduced AcLDL and increased OxLDL uptake These effects were only partly explained by changes in the mRNA and protein expression of key scavenger receptors, such as CD36 and scavenger receptor-A, in these cells suggesting the involvement of a scavenger receptor-independent mechanism EPA and DHA inhibited macropinocytosis, as measured by Lucifer Yellow uptake, in human macrophages and attenuated the expression of Syndecan-4, which has been implicated in the uptake of other modified forms of LDL EPA and DHA reduced modified LDL uptake by human macrophages through a mechanism that is in part scavenger receptor-independent and may involve inhibition of macropinocytosis and Syndecan-4 expression This suggests that both EPA and DHA are capable of regulating macrophage foam cell formation and adds to the evidence describing an atheroprotective role for n-3 PUFA, implicating them as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of clinical atherosclerosis

Rapid induction of microsomal delta 12(omega 6)-desaturase activity in chilled Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Abstract: The activity of microsomal delta 12-desaturase in Acanthamoeba castellanii was increased after growing cultures were chilled from the optimal growth temperature (30 degrees C) to 15 degrees C. This increase was detectable in microsomes isolated from organisms subjected to only 10 min chilling. The mechanism of induction was investigated. The increase in activity on chilling was greatly reduced when protein synthesis was blocked before the temperature shift. Thus the major mechanism for the induction of delta 12-desaturase is increased protein synthesis. delta 12-Desaturase activity was higher when assayed at 20 degrees C than when assayed at 30 degrees C, but these changes were not due to the increased solubility of O2 at 20 degrees C. The major substrate of delta 12-desaturase was found to be 1-acyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine.

Interferon-γ: an overview of signals, mechanisms and functions

Abstract: Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) coordinates a diverse array of cellular programs through transcriptional regulation of immunologically relevant genes. This article reviews the current understanding of IFN-gamma ligand, receptor, signal transduction, and cellular effects with a focus on macrophage responses and to a lesser extent, responses from other cell types that influence macrophage function during infection. The current model for IFN-gamma signal transduction is discussed, as well as signal regulation and factors conferring signal specificity. Cellular effects of IFN-gamma are described, including up-regulation of pathogen recognition, antigen processing and presentation, the antiviral state, inhibition of cellular proliferation and effects on apoptosis, activation of microbicidal effector functions, immunomodulation, and leukocyte trafficking. In addition, integration of signaling and response with other cytokines and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-4, type I IFNs, and lipopolysaccharide are discussed.

Microalgal triacylglycerols as feedstocks for biofuel production: perspectives and advances

Abstract: Microalgae represent an exceptionally diverse but highly specialized group of micro-organisms adapted to various ecological habitats. Many microalgae have the ability to produce substantial amounts (e.g. 20-50% dry cell weight) of triacylglycerols (TAG) as a storage lipid under photo-oxidative stress or other adverse environmental conditions. Fatty acids, the building blocks for TAGs and all other cellular lipids, are synthesized in the chloroplast using a single set of enzymes, of which acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) is key in regulating fatty acid synthesis rates. However, the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis is poorly understood in microalgae. Synthesis and sequestration of TAG into cytosolic lipid bodies appear to be a protective mechanism by which algal cells cope with stress conditions, but little is known about regulation of TAG formation at the molecular and cellular level. While the concept of using microalgae as an alternative and renewable source of lipid-rich biomass feedstock for biofuels has been explored over the past few decades, a scalable, commercially viable system has yet to emerge. Today, the production of algal oil is primarily confined to high-value specialty oils with nutritional value, rather than commodity oils for biofuel. This review provides a brief summary of the current knowledge on oleaginous algae and their fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis, algal model systems and genomic approaches to a better understanding of TAG production, and a historical perspective and path forward for microalgae-based biofuel research and commercialization.