Ultra-Long Chain Fatty Acid Analysis Service

Different fatty acids (FAs) vary greatly in the number of double bonds and the length of their carbon (C) chains. Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are fatty acids with more than 20 carbon atoms. VLCFAs are precursors of lipid mediators and are components of cellular lipids such as sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids. Mutations in genes encoding enzymes involved in VLCFA metabolism can lead to a range of inherited diseases, such as ichthyosis, demyelination, myopathy, mental retardation, and macular degeneration. Identifying enzymes related to VLCFA synthesis and degradation can enhance our understanding of VLCFA functions.

 

VLCFAs can be produced in all plant cells. These VLCFAs are generated in specific cell types and serve as precursors or components of numerous metabolites. Through the catalytic action of the fatty acid elongation complex, consisting of four core enzymes located in the endoplasmic reticulum, VLCFAs are elongated by the addition of two carbon units to the growing acyl chain. Studies on these enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana have revealed that three of the four enzymes play roles in producing all the VLCFAs required for all metabolic pathways, while the fourth enzyme is involved in condensation reactions, determining the specificity and amount of product being synthesized.

 

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a severe progressive degenerative genetic disease caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, leading to peroxisomal defects. The lack of peroxisomal function causes VLCFAs to accumulate in body tissues, particularly in the spinal cord, adrenal glands, and the white matter of the nervous system, ultimately damaging the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves, resulting in neurological problems. Although some of the accumulated VLCFAs in the body come from the diet, most are produced by the elongation of long-chain fatty acids in the body. For example, the accumulation of VLCFAs in X-ALD patients is due to a lack of a specific protein responsible for degrading fatty acids. VLCFA degradation occurs in peroxisomes within cells, which are present in all cell types except red blood cells. The missing protein, ALDP (X-ALD protein), is crucial for transporting VLCFAs from the cell to the peroxisome.

 

Biomarkers for peroxisomal genetic diseases (such as X-ALD) include elevated VLCFA concentrations in plasma and tissues. However, quantifying these VLCFAs simultaneously is challenging, and most detection platforms are time-consuming and laborous. MtoZ Biolabs offers reliable, fast, and cost-effective VLCFA analysis services based on highly stable, reproducible, and highly sensitive systems for separation, characterization, identification, and quantitative analysis of VLCFAs. Free consultation is available!

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

MtoZ Biolabs can quantify the following VLCFAs:

1. Docosanoic Acid (C22:0)

2. Tetracosanoic Acid (C24:0)

3. Hexacosanoic Acid (C26:0)

4. Ratio C24 / C22

5. Ratio C26 / C22