2

Special announcement by Education Bureau (2)




2

122 Mainland higher education institutions to admit Hong Kong students




2

Speech by SED at opening ceremony of Learning and Teaching Expo 2019




2

Subsidy amount for Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong in 2020/21 academic year announced




2

First School Allocation Exercise 2020 invites applications for five kindergarten premises in public housing estates




2

EDB announces arrangements for provision of Student Grant in 2019/20 school year




2

Application deadline extended for First School Allocation Exercise 2020 for allocation of five new estate kindergarten premises




2

EDB announces class resumption on March 2 the earliest




2

Application arrangements for Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions for 2020




2

The first local case of dengue fever in 2020




2

Application for Exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement is to close on 29 May 2020




2

H2OPE Centre hydrates young minds

Children gain a valuable insight into Hong Kong’s waterworks by directing the flow of water at an attraction designed to emulate the water cycle at the Water Supplies Department’s brand new H2OPE Centre.

 

They learn how rain passes through catchwaters in mountains and is filtered and distributed to people’s homes at the attraction, one of the 54 games or displays at the water education centre.

 

Kids can also try their hand at a fishing simulator to learn about tips and advice on fishing in reservoirs and discover ways to recycle and save water at other exhibits of the 720-sq m centre, which opened in December.

 

“It is extremely fun. We do not have this at school. I know how to save water now,” student Kim Lam said.

 

“Usually, we sit in a classroom and answer questions. But now we can learn about water in Hong Kong by playing games. It is excellent,” fellow student Alan Zeng added.

 

Children can also watch immersive videos at the centre’s 3D dome theatre.

 

Deeper understanding

The department hopes the centre will raise public awareness about water conservation.

 

“Its exhibits, live demonstrations and interactive games help visitors gain more insight into Hong Kong’s water resources,” Water Supplies Department Senior Engineer Irene Tong explained.

 

People can also visit the city’s important waterworks facilities such as the Waterworks Heritage Trails and the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, by joining the department’s Excursion with Water Save Dave. 

 

Water Save Dave is the department’s mascot to help promote a water conservation culture in the community.

 

Water Supplies Department Engineer Fion Chan said: “Water Save Dave is blue and shaped like a water drop to encourage us to cherish every single drop of water.

 

“We hope that guided tours of waterworks facilities will raise the public’s awareness about water resources and conservation.”




2

SAS Notes for SAS®9 - 65925: Clicking a URL for a stored process in Excel brings up the SAS Stored Process Web Application Welcome page

After you submit a stored process from the SAS Stored Process Web Application, the generated URL is placed into a cell in a Microsoft Excel worksheet. When you click this URL, you expect that the stored process is sub




2

SAS Notes for SAS®9 - 32202: Dual-monitor setup might cause problems in SAS Enterprise Guide

Problems might occur when using SAS Enterprise Guide with dual monitors. For example, it might appear there is a performance problem with the query builder or other task, or it might appear that code or a task is hung, or




2

Interleukin-12 electroporation may sensitize 'cold' melanomas to immunotherapies

(American Association for Cancer Research) Combining intratumoral electroporation of interleukin-12 (IL-12) DNA (tavokinogene telseplasmid, or TAVO) with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda) led to clinical responses in patients with immunologically quiescent advanced melanoma, according to results from a phase II trial.




2

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Meteorological Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2020-2035), Meteorological Plan, China Meteorological Administration

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomes the promulgation of the Meteorological Development Plan ...




2

2020 April Monthly Weather Summary

Monthly weather summary in Hong Kong




2

Plays exploring human drive and human touch win 2020 Neukom Honors

(Dartmouth College) Expanded Dartmouth awards program gives prizes for 'spec fic' playwriting on what it means to be human in a computerized world.




2

Meet the Most Disruptive MBA Startups of 2019 Poets and Quants – 10/28/2019

Monday, October 28, 2019 - 12:15





2

£1.2 million awarded to improve our understanding of the Sun

(Northumbria University ) Researchers from Northumbria University have been awarded £1.2m to help advance our understanding of the Sun and its impact on the planets within our solar system.




2

Age of NGC 6652 globular cluster specified

(Kazan Federal University) Senior Research Associate Margarita Sharina (Special Astrophysical Observatory) and Associate Professor Vladislav Shimansky (Kazan Federal University) studied the globular cluster NGC 6652.4.05957 and found out that its age is close to 13.6 billion years, which makes it one of the oldest objects in the Milky Way.




2

Recipients of 2020 Gruber Cosmology Prize announced

(International Astronomical Union) The Gruber Cosmology Prize, which is co-sponsored by the IAU, recognises scientists whose discoveries have driven fundamental advances in our understanding of the Universe. The 2020 prize has been awarded to Lars Hernquist and Volker Springel for their pioneering work on cosmological simulations, which have not only led to their own discoveries, but also become an invaluable resource used widely by other researchers.




2

Hayabusa2's touchdown on Ryugu reveals its surface in stunning detail

(American Association for the Advancement of Science) High-resolution images and video were taken by the Japanese space agency's Hayabusa2 spacecraft as it briefly landed to collect samples from Ryugu -- a nearby asteroid that orbits mostly between Earth and Mars -- allowing researchers to get an up-close look at its rocky surface, according to a new report.




2

Diverse livelihoods helped resilient Levänluhta people survive a climate disaster

(University of Helsinki) A multidisciplinary research group coordinated by the University of Helsinki dated the bones of dozens of Iron Age residents of the Levänluhta site in Finland, and studied the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios. The results provide an overview of the dietary habits based on terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems, as well as of sources of livelihoods throughout the Levänluhta era.




2

There is no special announcement (19:45 HKT on 03.05.2020)

There is no special announcement (19:45 HKT on 03.05.2020)




2

Fossil reveals evidence of 200-million-year-old 'squid' attack

(University of Plymouth) Researchers say a fossil found on the Jurassic coast of southern England in the 19th century demonstrates the world's oldest known example of a squid-like creature attacking its prey.




2

University of Tennessee extension forester named 2020 Forester of the Year

(University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture) David Mercker, an Extension forestry specialist with the University of Tennessee Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, has been named 2020 Extension Forester of the Year by the Forest Landowners Association (FLA). FLA is a national organization that promotes and protects the interests of private forest landowners and bestows this award annually as determined by its board of directors.




2

First results from NASA's ICESat-2 mission map 16 years of melting ice sheets

(University of Washington) By comparing new measurements from NASA's ICESat-2 mission with the original ICESat mission, which operated from 2003 to 2009, scientists were able to measure precisely how the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have changed over 16 years.




2

Data from 2 space lasers comprehensively estimate polar ice loss and sea level rise

(American Association for the Advancement of Science) Ice sheet losses from Greenland and Antarctica have outpaced snow accumulation and contributed approximately 14 millimeters to sea level rise over 16 years (2003 to 2019), a new analysis of data from NASA's laser-shooting satellites has revealed.




2

Disease-carrying mosquitoes could be common in Europe by 2030

Climate change could mean mosquitoes that can carry diseases like dengue, zika and yellow fever become established in southern Europe within 10 years.




2

AGS honors expert and emerging geriatrics leaders of 2020

(American Geriatrics Society) The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) annually honors researchers, clinicians, educators, and emerging health professionals who have made outstanding contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older people. This year's award recipients include more than 20 leaders representing the breadth of disciplines championing care for us all as we age.




2

nTIDE April 2020 jobs report: COVID recession hits workers with disabilities harder

(Kessler Foundation) Andrew Houtenville, Ph.D., research director of the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability: 'Unlike the Great Recession and the Great Depression, many workers in the COVID Recession may be 'on temporary layoff' (aka furloughed) and may be recalled, rather than losing their jobs completely. To further investigate this issue, we plan to release a Special nTIDE Report on May 15.'




2

Climate change could reawaken Indian Ocean El Niño

(University of Texas at Austin) Global warming is approaching a tipping point that during this century could reawaken an ancient climate pattern similar to El Niño in the Indian Ocean, new research led by scientists from the University of Texas at Austin has found.




2

Addressing the ethical considerations of SARS-CoV-2 human challenge trials

(American Association for the Advancement of Science) While an effective vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely many months away, development could be accelerated by conducting controlled human infection (CHI) studies -- which are increasingly being considered by the scientific community due to the urgent need.




2

Going Mobile With Diabetes Support: A Randomized Study of a Text Message-Based Personalized Behavioral Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care

Korey Capozza
May 1, 2015; 28:83-91
Feature Articles




2

A High Level of Patient Activation Is Observed But Unrelated to Glycemic Control Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Robert Mayberry
Jul 1, 2010; 23:171-176
Feature Articles




2

Depressive Affect Among Four Ethnic Groups of Male Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Lawrence Fisher
Oct 1, 2004; 17:215-219
Articles




2

Polypharmacy as a Risk Factor in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Roger P. Austin
Jan 1, 2006; 19:13-16
Pharmacy Update




2

Four Theories and a Philosophy: Self-Management Education for Individuals Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

T. Chas Skinner
Apr 1, 2003; 16:
Lifestyle and Behavior




2

D’Angel raises J$225,000 from online charity concert

The Lady of Dancehall, D'Angel, says although her COVID-19 Relief Concert did not meet its US$200,000 target, she is overwhelmed by the support. The event, held via Instagram Live last Friday, saw performances from the likes of Beenie Man, G...




2

People just wah hear sumpn different - Govana finds captive audience as ‘Convo Pt 2’ hits a million views

Back in January when dancehall artiste Govana released the track HAMANTS Convo, the storyline captivated listeners across the globe. For weeks, the song, which highlights infidelity in relationships, trended at number one on the local YouTube...




2

In It Together: A Conversation With Anna Houseman '21

The Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center for Leadership and Ethics spoke with Anna Houseman '21 about her daily routine, personal ethics, and staying productive during the pandemic. 




2

Quick Earthquake Messages M6.7 [7.0S, 130.0E] in Tanimbar Islands Region, Indonesia (21:54 HKT 06/05/2020)

Earthquake: 2020-05-06 21:54HKT M6.7 [7.0S, 130.0E] in Tanimbar Islands Region, Indonesia http://openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-7&mlon=130.




2

Setting Policy for What Comes After COVID-19: Dr. Faheem Ahmed ’20

Like many of his classmates, Dr. Faheem Ahmed started the spring semester, primed to put the finishing touches on his MBA. But after COVID-19 began to spread, he relocated to his home in London to complete his degree remotely and work on the frontline of the crisis.




2

Cyber and International Law in the 21st Century

Research Event

23 May 2018 - 9:00am to 10:00am

Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE

Event participants

Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC MP, Attorney General, UK
Chair: Elizabeth Wilmshurst CMG, Distinguished Fellow, Chatham House

Cyber intrusions do not respect international borders. At this event, the attorney general will discuss how to apply and shape international law in order to ensure the rules-based international system can adapt to the threats – and opportunities – posed by cyber into the future.

 




2

Responsible Business 2019

Conference

Priorities, practices and principles in a digital age

28 February 2019 - 9:30am to 5:00pm

Chatham House, London

Overview

Agenda

Speakers

Pricing and booking information

Sponsors

Media partners and supporting organizations

Venue and accommodation

Press registration

Contact us

Ever-increasing consumer, investor and employee awareness continues to drive the business case for responsible behaviour, and recent events have highlighted the growing need for corporate accountability and transparency from C-suite behaviour to global supply chain management. But what exactly are these expectations across different sectors, as the acceleration of the digital age continues to present new risks, opportunities and concerns? How can the right behaviours be encouraged? 

Furthermore, ongoing political transitions and regulatory stances over the last two years have shone a light on companies’ potential and realized impact on society. With trust in political institutions low, many are calling upon businesses not only to reflect their values but to actively bridge the governance gap on issues such as equality, sustainability and human rights, in their own business operations and beyond.  But what role should business be adopting, and what are the consequences of this trend? What are the perceived trade-offs? 

The past year has seen examples of technology leaders being held to account for the mishandling of data, global corporations taking a proactive stance on contentious political issues and executive behaviour directly impacting share price. It is critical that policy-makers and business leaders re-evaluate their priorities, practices and principles as technology and politics continue to reshape the landscape. 

The third annual Chatham House Responsible Business conference will explore key questions, including:

  • Who will lead the corporate responsibility agenda? What is driving responsible behaviour? 
  • To what extent has there been a policy retreat in this space? What has been the response to this, and what does it mean for different roles and responsibilities? 
  • What are the new priorities for responsible business in a digital age? How have recent events demonstrated a shift in expectations? 
  • How can policy-makers and companies foster the integration of human rights across global supply chains, international trade and regional business operations?
  • What is the role of corporate governance and leadership in setting standards and promoting responsible business? Is this a new era of corporate activism? 

The Chatham House Rule
To enable as open a debate as possible, this conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule.

Twitter
@CH_Events
#CHBusiness

Thursday 28 February
0920

Welcome and chair's opening remarks
Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House

Keynote address
Simon Thompson, Chairman, Rio Tinto

Questions and discussion

Session One | Leaders and Drivers
1000-1115

This opening session will examine the status of corporate leadership in responsible business, evolving policy environments and stakeholder expectations, and how they continue to shape roles and responsibilities. 

  • How are expectations for responsible business evolving? Where has this been most apparent in the past 18 months, and what is driving these shifts? 
  • Do policy and regulation continue to be effective at encouraging responsible business behaviour? Where is regulation most effective in this space? 
  • Given current political sentiments and levels of trust, what role should business play in creating a sustainable economy and a more equal society? What are the implications of this?  
  • What can business leaders learn from existing examples of corporate activism? 
  • Does a trade-off exist between responsible practices and economic competitiveness, or do commercial drivers incentivize better behaviours? How does this differ across different markets and regions?

Chair
Tamzin Booth, European Business Editor, The Economist

Speakers
Helena Morrissey, Head of Personal Investing, Legal & General Investment Management, and Founder of the 30% Club
Ioannis Ioannou, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School
Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre​
Sue Garrard, EVP Sustainable Business and Communications, Unilever (2014-18)

Questions and discussion

1115-1145 Refreshments

Session Two | Practices and Transparency
1145-1300

This session will address regulatory frameworks and economic incentives governing responsible business conduct, as well as human rights and business operations across global supply chains. 

  • How prominent are business and human rights issues on national policy agendas? To what extent has this influenced business behaviours across different sectors and regions? 
  • What progress has been made with regards to the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights? What has most effectively driven their integration? 
  • To what extent can public opinion and public awareness help narrow the governance gap? How can investors actively promote and enforce better governance practices? 
  • Does transparency necessarily lead to accountability, and in turn increase consumer and investor trust? What are the implications of this? 
  • How can due diligence and reporting be made more efficient to enhance accountability as well as transparency across supply chains and investments? Can digital solutions be employed to achieve social and environmental best practice?

Chair
Bennett Freeman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, US Department of State (1999–2001)

Speakers
Gillian Caldwell, CEO, Global Witness
Madelaine Tuininga, Head of Unit, DG Trade, European Commission
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation 
Guus Houttuin, Trade Adviser, European External Action Service, and Chair, the OECD Multi-stakeholder Steering Group 

Questions and discussion

1300-1400 Lunch

Session Three | Responsibility in the Digital Age
1400-1515

This session will examine the risks and opportunities presented by digitization and other technological developments for responsible business practices. 

  • What have events over the past year indicated regarding stakeholder concerns accompanying specific technologies and business practices? How have different sectors and companies responded? 
  • What are the responsible business issues that accompany the transition to a digital-first society? What can be learned from the challenges of regulating tech titans?
  • How can businesses ensure data privacy and help customers with digital access to maintain trust and maximize benefits from digital transformation? 
  • To what extent is the proliferation of information through technology already enhancing corporate accountability and transparency? What are the risks here? 

Chair
John Thornhill, Innovation Editor, Financial Times

Speakers
Nuala O’Connor, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology
Simon McDougall, Executive Director, Technology Policy and Innovation, Information Commissioner’s Office​
Rebecca MacKinnon, Director, Ranking Digital Rights, New America
Sarah Drinkwater, Director, Tech and Society Solutions Lab, Omidyar Network

Questions and discussion

1515-1545 Afternoon refreshments

Session Four | Governance
1545-1700

This closing session will explore the role of corporate governance in setting standards and leading responsible business practices, including diversity and inclusion as well as C-suite accountability and transparency. 

  • How are businesses responding to expectations of good corporate governance and leadership in the digital age? Are businesses equipped to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency in the era of open data and social media?
  • Do business leaders have a responsibility to embody as well as promote high standards of responsible business and ethical leadership? What lessons can be learnt from corporate governance failings? 
  • What role should business leaders play in the broader political environment? Is corporate activism part of responsible governance, and what are the risks?
  • What are the best strategies to empower diversity and foster inclusion in a rapidly changing global economy? Should diversity and inclusion begin in the boardroom?

Chair
Aris Vrettos, Director of Open Programmes and International Markets, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Speakers
Catherine Howarth, CEO, ShareAction 
Jane Ellis, Director, GoodCorporation
Mo Ibrahim, Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation 
Alison Cottrell, CEO, Banking Standards Board

Questions and discussion

1700 Close of conference and drinks reception 

© The Royal Institute of International Affairs 2019

Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Phil Bloomer

Executive Director, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Tamzin Booth

Business Editor, The Economist

Sharan Burrow

General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation

Gillian Caldwell

CEO, Global Witness

Alison Cottrell

CEO, Banking Standards Board

Sarah Drinkwater

Director, Tech and Society Solutions Lab, Omidyar Network

Jane Ellis

Director, GoodCorporation

Bennett Freeman

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, United States (1999-2001)

Sue Garrard

EVP Sustainable Business and Communications, Unilever (2014-18)

Guus Houttuin

Trade Adviser, European External Action Service, and Chair, the OECD Multi-stakeholder Steering Group

Catherine Howarth

CEO, ShareAction

Mo Ibrahim

Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Ioannis Ioannou

Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School

Rebecca MacKinnon

Director, Ranking Digital Rights, New America

Simon McDougall

Executive Director, Technology Policy and Innovation, Information Commissioner's Office

Dame Helena Morrissey

Head of Personal Investing, Legal & General Investment Management; Founder, 30% Club

Dr Robin Niblett CMG

Director, Chatham House

Nuala O'Connor

President and CEO, Center for Democracy & Technology

John Thornhill

Innovation Editor, Financial Times

Madelaine Tuininga

Head of Unit, DG Trade, European Commission

Aris Vrettos

Director of Open Programmes and International Markets, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Ways to book:

  1. Online: Click here to complete the online registration form
  2. Phone: Call Boudicca Georgii Hellberg on +44 (0) 20 7314 2785
  3. Email/Post: Download a PDF registration form, complete and return to Boudicca Georgii Hellberg via email or post: Chatham House, 10 St. James Square, London, SW1Y 4LE

Check if your organization is a member of Chatham House here.

 RATE (+VAT):
Partners and major corporate members 
All organizations£595
Standard corporate members 
Commercial organizations£1,180
Government departments/agencies/intergovernmental organizations£700
NGOs/academic institutions/associations (including not for profits and registered charities)£460
Non-members 
Commercial organizations£1,295
Government departments/agencies/intergovernmental organizations£750
NGOs/academic insitutions/associations (including not for profits and registered charities)£510
 
 

Your delegate pass includes:

  • Documentation
  • Lunch and refreshments

Travel and accommodation are not included.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please contact Olivia Lewis on +44 (0)20 7957 5732

If you are interested in partnering with Chatham House on this event, please contact Ayesha Arif on +44 (0)20 7957 5753

Chatham House
10 St James's Square
London
SW1Y 4LE
UK
conferences@chathamhouse.org

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7957 5643
Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5710

If you wish to book the venue for your own event please phone +44 (0)20 7314 2764

Directions
The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus which is on the Piccadilly and the Bakerloo Underground lines. From Piccadilly follow Regent Street southwards towards Pall Mall and take the first road on the right called Jermyn Street. Duke of York Street is the second road on the left and leads to St James's Square. Chatham House is immediately on your right.

Map

Accommodation
Although we cannot book accommodation for delegates, we have arranged a reduced rate at some nearby hotels, where you can book your own accommodation. Please inform the hotel that you will be attending a conference at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) to qualify for the Institute's reduced rate.

Please note all rates are subject to availability.

Flemings Mayfair
13 Half Moon Street
Mayfair
London - W1J 7BH

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7499 2964
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7499 1817
reservations@flemings.co.uk

Classic Double without breakfast: £195 +VAT

The Cavendish London
81 Jermyn Street
London - SW1U 6JF

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7930 2111
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7839 2125
enquiry.cavendish@the-ascott.com 

Classic Room without breakfast: £195 +VAT

Book The Cavendish online

The Stafford London 
St James's Place
London - SW1A 1NJ

Tel: 020 7493 0111
Fax: 020 7493 7121
​reservations@thestaffordlondon.com

Classic Queen without breakfast: £247 +VAT
Quote Chatham House

This conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Information for journalists.

Press can request a press pass.

For enquiries relating to the conference agenda or sponsorship please call Olivia Lewis on +44 (0) 20 7957 5732

For registration enquiries please call Boudicca Georgii Hellberg on +44 (0) 20 7314 2785

For general enquiries please email conferences@chathamhouse.org 

Department/project




2

Bulletin updated at 19:45 HKT - 03/05/2020

There is no warning in force.




2

12-LOX catalyzes the oxidation of 2-arachidonoyl-lysolipids in platelets generating eicosanoid-lysolipids that are attenuated by iPLA2{gamma} knockout [Signal Transduction]

The canonical pathway of eicosanoid production in most mammalian cells is initiated by phospholipase A2-mediated release of arachidonic acid, followed by its enzymatic oxidation resulting in a vast array of eicosanoid products. However, recent work has demonstrated that the major phospholipase in mitochondria, iPLA2γ (patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 8 (PNPLA8)), possesses sn-1 specificity, with polyunsaturated fatty acids at the sn-2 position generating polyunsaturated sn-2-acyl lysophospholipids. Through strategic chemical derivatization, chiral chromatographic separation, and multistage tandem MS, here we first demonstrate that human platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) can directly catalyze the regioselective and stereospecific oxidation of 2-arachidonoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (2-AA-LPC) and 2-arachidonoyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine (2-AA-LPE). Next, we identified these two eicosanoid-lysophospholipids in murine myocardium and in isolated platelets. Moreover, we observed robust increases in 2-AA-LPC, 2-AA-LPE, and their downstream 12-LOX oxidation products, 12(S)-HETE-LPC and 12(S)-HETE-LPE, in calcium ionophore (A23187)-stimulated murine platelets. Mechanistically, genetic ablation of iPLA2γ markedly decreased the calcium-stimulated production of 2-AA-LPC, 2-AA-LPE, and 12-HETE-lysophospholipids in mouse platelets. Importantly, a potent and selective 12-LOX inhibitor, ML355, significantly inhibited the production of 12-HETE-LPC and 12-HETE-LPE in activated platelets. Furthermore, we found that aging is accompanied by significant changes in 12-HETE-LPC in murine serum that were also markedly attenuated by iPLA2γ genetic ablation. Collectively, these results identify previously unknown iPLA2γ-initiated signaling pathways mediated by direct 12-LOX oxidation of 2-AA-LPC and 2-AA-LPE. This oxidation generates previously unrecognized eicosanoid-lysophospholipids that may serve as biomarkers for age-related diseases and could potentially be used as targets in therapeutic interventions.




2

Deletion of fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) in the mouse liver changes the metabolic landscape by increasing the expression of PPAR{alpha}-regulated genes [Lipids]

Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is highly expressed in the liver, small intestine, and kidney, where it functions in both the transport of exogenous long-chain fatty acids and the activation of very-long-chain fatty acids. Here, using a murine model, we investigated the phenotypic impacts of deleting FATP2, followed by a transcriptomic analysis using unbiased RNA-Seq to identify concomitant changes in the liver transcriptome. WT and FATP2-null (Fatp2−/−) mice (5 weeks) were maintained on a standard chow diet for 6 weeks. The Fatp2−/− mice had reduced weight gain, lowered serum triglyceride, and increased serum cholesterol levels and attenuated dietary fatty acid absorption. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver revealed 258 differentially expressed genes in male Fatp2−/− mice and a total of 91 in female Fatp2−/− mice. These genes mapped to the following gene ontology categories: fatty acid degradation, peroxisome biogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and retinol and arachidonic acid metabolism. Targeted RT-quantitative PCR verified the altered expression of selected genes. Of note, most of the genes with increased expression were known to be regulated by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα), suggesting that FATP2 activity is linked to a PPARα-specific proximal ligand. Targeted metabolomic experiments in the Fatp2−/− liver revealed increases of total C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1 fatty acids; increases in lipoxin A4 and prostaglandin J2; and a decrease in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. We conclude that the expression of FATP2 in the liver broadly affects the metabolic landscape through PPARα, indicating that FATP2 provides an important role in liver lipid metabolism through its transport or activation activities.