UPTAKE AND TISSUE DISTRIBUTION OF ERGOTHIONEINE AND ITS IN VIVO ROLE DURING OXIDATIVE STRESS

Abstract

Ergothioneine (ET) is a natural antioxidant produced by fungi and some bacteria. While no biosynthesis is seen in animals and humans, ET can be found at high concentrations in many tissues due to dietary uptake via the specific transporter protein, OCTN1. Interest in ET has been steadily growing with many considering it a nutraceutical with potential therapeutic application for many human disorders. We previously demonstrated its high bioavailability following oral consumption of ET in healthy volunteers. My studies examined the uptake and tissue distribution of ET in mice utilizing LC-MS/MS, and established the differential accumulation in tissues throughout the animal. To ascertain the in vivo role of ET, we created an OCTN1 knockout mouse using CRISPR/Cas9 (OCTN1-/-), and subjected the animals to oxidative stress with ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA). Using a comprehensive panel of oxidative damage biomarkers, we aim to uncover the physiological roles of ET in the body.