Abstract
The brain is a fatty organ rich in various lipid molecules that consist approximately 60 % of its dry weight, and docosahexanoic acid and arachidonic acid are the most major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These PUFAs are known as essential fatty acids and pivotal in brain development of infants. They are also reported to improve learning and memory in dementia and to ameliorate schizophrenic symptoms. The PUFAs are specifically bound to fatty acid binding proteins (Fabps) in the cytoplasm, and transported to the cell membrane and work as ligands for nuclear receptor transcription factors. In this article, I would like to introduce involvement of PUFAs and Fabps in neurogenesis in views of neurobiology and behavioral neuroscience.
