Brain uptake and utilization of fatty acids - Applications to peroxisomal biogenesis diseases

The brain is rich in diverse fatty acids saturated, monounsaturated and pol yunsaturated fatty acids with chain lengths ranging from less than 16 to mo re than 24 carbons that make up the complex lipids present in this organ. W hile some fatty acids are derived from endogenous synthesis, others must co me from exogenous sources. The mechanism(s) by which fatty acids enter cell s has been the subject of much debate. While some investigators argue for a protein-mediated process, others suggest that simple diffusion is sufficie nt. In the brain, uptake is further complicated by the presence of the bloo d-brain barrier. Brain fatty acid homeostasis is disturbed in many human di sorders, as typified by the peroxisomal biogenesis diseases. A workshop des igned to bring together researchers from varied backgrounds to discuss thes e issues in an open forum was held in March, 2000. In addition to assessing the current state of knowledge, areas requiring additional investigation w ere identified and recommendations for future research were made. A brief o verview of the invited talks is presented here.