The Polyunsaturated Lipid Function Interest Group is an interdisciplinary cross-institute group focusing on many facets of the function of complex lipids. Members of the group have interests that include compositional, metabolic and nutritional aspects of the essential fatty acids often denoted as PUFA. The term function in the title signals our intent to bring together physiologists, clinicians, neurobiologists, pharmacologists and others interested in how polyunsaturated fatty acids function in tissues. Another important interest of the group involves the biophysics and spectroscopy of polyunsaturated lipids in tissue membranes, and physical chemists are encouraged to participate. The "EFA Education" information includes sections on DHA in brain functions, eicosanoids, endocannabinoids, and psychiatric disorders, plus helpful information about essential fats, and nutritional sources that maintain ambient tissue levels of PUFA. The impact of these tissue levels is being studied in relation to their function in developing healthy neural functions for vision and learning as well as in their possible relation to neuronal signaling and psychiatric disorders. We invite colleagues with interests in these areas to "Join the Group" by registering as a member to receive email and maintain contacts with scientists of similar interests. Further interactions are facilitated by the schedule of future "Meetings and Seminars" in another section of this site as well as the list of "Related Links".

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