FUNGAL DELTA12 DESATURASE AND DELTA15 DESATURASE MOTIFS

摘要

The present invention relates to fungal delta12 desaturases (responsible for conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (18:2, LA)) and delta15 fatty acid desaturases (responsible for conversion of LA to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA)). Amino acid motifs diagnostic of delta12 desaturases and delta15 desaturases are also provided. Methods of altering enzyme specificity towards delta12 desaturation or towards delta15 desaturation and/or increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the fungal desaturases are also described.