Retinyl ester formation by lecithin: retinol acyltransferase is a key regulator of retinoid homeostasis in mouse embryogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The developing mammalian embryo is entirely dependent on the maternal circulation for its supply of retinoids (vitamin A and its metabolites). The mechanisms through which mammalian developing tissues maintain adequate retinoid levels in the face of suboptimal or excessive maternal dietary vitamin A intake have not been established. We investigated the role of retinyl ester formation catalyzed by lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) in regulating retinoid homeostasis during embryogenesis. Dams lacking both LRAT and retinol-binding protein (RBP), the sole specific carrier for retinol in serum, were maintained on diets containing different amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy. We hypothesized that the lack of both proteins would make the embryo more vulnerable to changes in maternal diet

SUBMITTER: Kim YK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3771510 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature