Poster Title

P-42 The Effects of Omega-3-Fatty Acids on Intracellular Inositol Levels in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic debilitating mental disorder affecting 1-3% of the population. It is ranked sixth worldwide among all medical disorders in years of life lost to death or disability. Omega-3-fatty acids have been shown to relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder and are not associated with the negative side effects of lithium and valproate- two drugs commonly used for treating the disorder. However, the mechanism of action of omega-3-fatty acids remains unknown. In this study, the effects of the omega-3-fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid on growth and intracellular inositol levels were examined. We show that similar to valproate and lithium, docosahexaenoic acid decreases growth of the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. We also showed that unlike valproate, DHA does not decrease intracellular inositol.

Acknowledgments

J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

Advisor: Marlene Murray, Biology

Location

Buller Hallway

Start Date

3-6-2015 2:30 PM

End Date

3-6-2015 4:00 PM

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COinS
 
Mar 6th, 2:30 PM Mar 6th, 4:00 PM

P-42 The Effects of Omega-3-Fatty Acids on Intracellular Inositol Levels in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Buller Hallway

Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic debilitating mental disorder affecting 1-3% of the population. It is ranked sixth worldwide among all medical disorders in years of life lost to death or disability. Omega-3-fatty acids have been shown to relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder and are not associated with the negative side effects of lithium and valproate- two drugs commonly used for treating the disorder. However, the mechanism of action of omega-3-fatty acids remains unknown. In this study, the effects of the omega-3-fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid on growth and intracellular inositol levels were examined. We show that similar to valproate and lithium, docosahexaenoic acid decreases growth of the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. We also showed that unlike valproate, DHA does not decrease intracellular inositol.