A key role for the peroxisomal ABCD2 transporter in fatty acid homeostasis

S Fourcade, M Ruiz, C Camps… - American Journal …, 2009 - journals.physiology.org
S Fourcade, M Ruiz, C Camps, A Schluter, SM Houten, PAW Mooyer, T Pàmpols…
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2009journals.physiology.org
Peroxisomes are essential organelles exerting key functions in fatty acid metabolism such
as the degradation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFAs accumulate in X-
adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a disease caused by deficiency of the Abcd1 peroxisomal
transporter. Its closest homologue, Abcd2, exhibits a high degree of functional redundancy
on the catabolism of VLCFA, being able to prevent X-ALD-related neurodegeneration in the
mouse. In the search for specific roles of Abcd2, we screened fatty acid profiles in organs …
Peroxisomes are essential organelles exerting key functions in fatty acid metabolism such as the degradation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFAs accumulate in X-adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a disease caused by deficiency of the Abcd1 peroxisomal transporter. Its closest homologue, Abcd2, exhibits a high degree of functional redundancy on the catabolism of VLCFA, being able to prevent X-ALD-related neurodegeneration in the mouse. In the search for specific roles of Abcd2, we screened fatty acid profiles in organs and primary neurons of mutant knockout mice lacking Abcd2 in basal conditions and under dietary challenges. Our results indicate that ABCD2 plays a role in the degradation of long-chain saturated and ω9-monounsaturated fatty acids and in the synthesis of docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Also, we demonstrated a defective VLCFA β-oxidation ex vivo in brain slices of Abcd1 and Abcd2 knockouts, using radiolabeled hexacosanoic acid and the precursor of DHA as substrates. As DHA levels are inversely correlated with the incidence of Alzheimer's and several degenerative conditions, we suggest that ABCD2 may act as modulator/modifier gene and therapeutic target in rare and common human disorders.
American Physiological Society