Effects of Fatty Acids from Avocados on Expression of the HMG1 Gene in Tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract

The enzyme 3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMG) HMG catalyzes the ratelimiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and is a common drug target for cholesterol reduction. Previous studies in rats have shown that avocado oil reduces cholesterol levels. We were interested in determining whether the healthy fatty acids in avocado oil would have an effect on the expression of HMG. In this study, Tetrahymena thermophila were treated with avocado oil to determine the effect of fatty acids on expression of the HMG1 gene that encodes HMG. Expression of HMG1 was monitored using reverse transcription and semi-quantitative PCR. We predicted that expression of HMG1 would be down regulated in Tetrahymena cultures that were treated with avocado oil.