OLEIC ACID PROMOTES LIPID ACCUMULATION AND ENHANCES MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION THROUGH PLIN5 IN BOVINE ADIPOCYTES

The objective of the proposed study is to determine the mechanism by which oleic acid enhances lipid accumulation and limits reactive oxygen species production in dairy cows' adipose tissue. Ourlong-term goalis to identify specific mechanisms for the effect of fatty acid supplementation on adipose tissue metabolism in periparturient dairy cows and determine practical interventions to manipulate these mechanisms, thereby improving health and production efficiency. The proposed study will contribute to the AFRI Program Priority Area of Animal Health and Production and Animal Products by determining how oleic acid, a fatty acid that can be supplemented in diets of dairy cows in a practically and economically effective way, alters lipid metabolism and reactive oxygen species production during lipolysis. This project may also provide an early basis for the use of oleic supplementation to mitigate oxidative stress during the postpartum period.Moreover, the fellowship will aid the PD, Ursula Abou-Rjeileh, to advance to her career goal of becoming an active contributor to agricultural sciences as a research scientist, particularly in relation to dairy health and nutrition. The PD's training objectives include: 1) Expanding her research skills to address agricultural problems using sound methodology and effective communication of results to producers and industry stakeholders, 2) Developing her critical thinking skills through applying the scientific method to answer research questions, and 3) Acquiring experience in leadership roles and working within a team.