Genetic Variants and Regulation of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediator

Inflammation is the way that the body reacts against infection, injury or illness. An uncontrolled inflammatory response can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular conditions. Recent studies have shown that inflammation is a regulated process coordinated by a group of molecules known as specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM). These molecules are produced by enzymes via the enzymatic conversion of essential fatty acids; whereas their biological actions are mediated by proteins expressed on the surface of cells known as receptors. Given the central role that pro-resolving mediators play in regulating the immune response, the aim of this study is to investigate whether there are genetic variants (mutations) in genes encoding for enzymes and receptors involved in the biology of these molecules and to determine how these mutations affect SPM's activity or function. Findings made as part of these studies will help shed light into mechanism influencing disease onset and/or progression and potentially enhance the discovery of new and more effective treatments.