Retinol Esterification in the hepatopancreas of the American lobster (Homarus americanus)

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Wells, Collin

Honaker, Olivia

Li, Yuzhang

Dew, Stephanie (Mentor)

English

Vitamin A (retinol) is a necessary nutrient in higher animals. In mammals, the pathways by which retinol is transported and metabolized are well described. One important reaction in these pathways is the conversion of retinol into retinyl esters, which occurs in several tissues, including the small intestine, liver, and eye. Little is known about the conversion of retinol into retinyl esters in invertebrates. We have identified an acyl-CoA:retinol acyltransferase activity in the hepatopancreas of the American lobster (Homarus americanus). This activity shows a linear dependence on time and microsome concentration. It shows temperature dependence and an optimal pH of 6.5. We have characterized its acyl-CoA preference and determined Km and Vmax values for both retinol and acyl-CoA.