Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 coding sequences and antisense RNA affect lipid secretion in transfected chicken LMH hepatoma cells

Hepatic stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) activity in chickens from a fat line is higher than that of chickens from a lean line and correlates with plasma triacylglycerol concentrations, Furthermore, in these lines, the hepatic S CD1 mRNA level is positively correlated with the adipose tissue weight. To analyze the contribution of the SCD1 gene in the regulation of adiposity in the early stages of triacylglycerol secretion, SCD1 coding sequence and an tisense RNA expression vectors were transfected in LMH cells. After selecti on, these cells were analyzed with regard to SCD1 expression and lipid secr etion, The amounts of secreted triacylglycerols and phospholipids were show n to be higher in LMH cells transfected with the SCD1 gene, but reduced in those transfected with the SCD1 antisense sequences when compared to cells transfected with the vector alone (without SCD1 sequences). These results p rovide direct evidence that the expression of the SCD1 gene plays a major r ole in the triacylglycerol and phospholipid secretion process. (C) 2000 Aca demic Press.