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.

Control of acyl lipid desaturation in the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis via the use of the cyclopropenoid fatty acid, sterculate

Abstract: The effect of the cyclopropene fatty acid, sterculic acid, on fatty acid metabolism in the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula gracilis (CBS 3043) has been studied. Sterculate caused approximately 90% inhibition of [1-14C]sterate desaturation but only about 25% inhibition when [1-14C]acetate was used as precursor. Measurement of acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) pool labelling and the pattern of distribution of radioactivity within lipid classes suggested that the high rate of inhibition of stearate desaturation was due to sterculate reducing the formation of stearoyl-CoA. In agreement with previous suggestions for plant and animal systems, experiments with a post-mitochondrial (20 000 g × 30 min) supernatant suggested that sterculoyl-CoA was the active inhibitor. The action of sterculate on endogenous lipid composition was most marked in stationary-phase cells. In such cells an increase in stearate was seen especially in the triacylglycerol pools, while α-linolenate was increased predominantly in the phospholipid fractions. The increased flux of carbon to α-linolenate at the same time that stearate desaturation appeared to be inhibited by sterculate, indicated that that two separate pathways for desaturation, employing different substrates, may operate in R. gracilis. We suggest that sterculate inhibits the stearoyl-(acyl-)CoA-dependent pathway but has little effect when phospholipids are used as substrates for acyl chain desaturation.

Comparative aspects of lipid metabolism in marine algae

Abstract: Marine macroalgae are a diverse and abundant group of plants, but many aspects of their metabolism are poorly understood. Marine algal lipids show variations from those of higher plants, and marked differences occur amongst algal divisions. Marine algae have a wide range of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) and some unusual lipids (Jamieson & Reid, 1972; Pohl & Zurheide, 1979~; Smith & Harwood, 1984). The lipid content and metabolism of five algae (Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum: Phaeophyceae, Chondrus crispus, Polysiphonia lanosa: Rhodophyceae, and Enteromorpha intestinalis: Chlorophyceae) was studied. Samples of algae were collected from sites on the S. Wales coast. Lipids were extracted by the method of Garbus et al. (1963) as modified by Smith et al. (1982), and identified by co-chromatography with standards on t.1.c. and staining reactions. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) formed from the lipids were analysed by g.1.c. and quantified using an internal standard. Identifications were confirmed using

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.