Desaturase genes and uses thereof

Abstract

The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 5 (i.e., “Δ5-desaturase”) and at carbon 6 (i.e., “Δ6-desaturase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, Δ5-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and in the conversion of 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Delta-6 desaturase may be used, for example, in the conversion of linoleic (LA) to γ-linolenic acid (GLA). AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

1 . A plant cell, plant or plant tissue comprising a vector comprising: a) a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:19 operably linked to b) a promoter, wherein expression of said nucleotide sequence of said vector results in production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid by said plant cell or tissue. 
     
     
         2 . The plant cell, plant or plant tissue of  claim 1  wherein said polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of AA or EPA. 
     
     
         3 . One or more plant oils or acids expressed by said plant cell, plant or plant tissue of  claim 2 . 
     
     
         4 . A transgenic plant comprising said vector of  claim 1 , wherein expression of said nucleotide sequence of said vector results in production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid in seeds of said transgenic plant. 
     
     
         5 . A transgenic, non-human mammal whose genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding an Δ5-desaturase enzyme, operably linked to a promoter. 
     
     
         6 . The transgenic, non-human mammal of  claim 5 , wherein said DNA sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:19. 
     
     
         7 . A fluid produced by said transgenic, non-human mammal of  claim 6  wherein said fluid comprises a detectable level of at least Δ5-desaturase when said DNA sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:19.