Hokkaido University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Professor Shu-Ping Hui's research lab specializes in lipidomics and bioactive lipid research, focusing on the identification, characterization, and biological functions of novel endogenous lipids such as short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs). The lab investigates the roles of these lipids in metabolic diseases, oxidative stress, and liver disorders like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with an emphasis on lipid oxidation, redox regulation, and the Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Advanced mass spectrometry and fluorescent imaging techniques are employed to study lipid droplets and their pathological modifications in cellular models. The lab also explores natural compounds, such as flazin, for their cytoprotective and antioxidant properties in human hepatocytes.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Identification of these novel SFAHFAs can contribute to a better understanding of the chemical and biological properties of individual SFAHFAs and their possible sources in the gut, which in turn helps us tackle the role of these lipids in various metabolic diseases.
A fluorescence microscopic method for characterizing size, quantity, and oxidation of lipid droplets (LDs) in HepG2 cells was developed. LDs were induced by palmitic (PA), oleic (OA), or linoleic acids (LA) and stained with two fluorescent probes for neutral lipids and lipid peroxides. Each fatty acid increased the number of LDs and oxidized LDs (oxLDs) and the degree of LD oxidation time dependently, as well as increased intracellular triglyceride hydroperoxides. LDs induced by LA without 2,2'-
Flazin is a β-carboline-derived alkaloid found in Japanese fermented foods. Here, the potential of flazin as an antioxidant food was studied with particular reference to its effect on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system in human hepatocytes (C3A). Flazin and flazin analogues including the decarboxylated derivative perlolyrine were chemically synthesized and compared with each other and with chlorogenic acid and curcumin. Among
Branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are novel endogenous lipids with important physiological functions in mammals. We previously identified a new type of FAHFAs, named short-chain fatty acid esterified hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs), with acetyl or propyl esters of hydroxy fatty acids of carbon chains, C ≥ 20. However, sensitive determination of SFAHFAs is still a challenge, due to their high structural similarity and low abundance in biological samples. This study employs
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a prevalent disease related to lipid metabolism disorder and oxidative stress. Lipid hydroperoxidation is known to be a critical driving force of various disorders and diseases. However, the combination of both intact and hydroperoxidized lipids in NASH has not yet been studied. In this work, the liver and kidney samples from NASH-model mice were comprehensively investigated by using the LC/MS-based lipidomic analysis. As a result, triglycerides showed the
Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are a new class of endogenous lipids with promising physiological functions in mammals. We previously introduced a new type of lipids to this family called short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs), branching specific to the C2 carbon of a long-chain fatty acid (≥C20). In this study, we discovered a homologous series of SFAHFAs comprising C16-C26 hydroxy fatty acids esterified with short-chain fatty acids (C2-C5) in mouse col
Consumption of alcohol has widespread effects on the human body. The organs that are most significantly impacted are the liver and digestive system. When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed in the intestines and processed by the liver. However, excessive alcohol use may affect gut epithelial integrity, microbiome composition, and lipid metabolism. Despite past studies investigating the effect of ethanol on hepatic lipid metabolism, the focus on colonic lipid metabolism has not been well explored
Sorghum, a globally grown gluten-free cereal, is used mainly as an animal feed in developed countries regardless of its potential for human consumption. In this study, we utilized nontargeted lipidomics to thoroughly analyze, compare, and characterize whole-grain lipids in six sorghum cultivars (cv) grown in a single field trial in Australia: Buster, Bazley, Cracker, Liberty, MR43, and Tiger. In total, 194 lipid molecular species representing five major lipid classes were identified. Multivariat
This study offers the first insights into detecting and characterizing novel gut microbial lipids in human fecal samples. Further investigations are essential to recognize the metabolism and function of these lipids in the human gut.
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