GENE CODING FOR ENZYME GROUP PARTICIPATING IN BIOSYNTHESIS OF ICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID AND/OR DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a new gene derived from a chromosomal DNA in docosahexaenoic acid productive bacteria, is contained in a gene having a specific restriction map and codes for enzyme groups participating in the biosynthesis of icosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid. SOLUTION: This new gene obtained by treating chromosomal DNA in docosahexaenoic acid productive bacteria [e.g. Schewanella sp. SCRC-21406 (FERM BP-5979) or the like] with restriction enzyme San 3AI is contained in a gene fragment of about 37 kb having a restriction map represented by the formula and codes for enzyme groups participating in the biosynthesis of icosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid, and is used in the profitable method or the like for producing icosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) useful as a raw material for medicines, foods, feeds or the like. This gene is obtained by producing a genomic DNA library from a genomic DNA in Schewanella sp. SCRC-21406 and screening out this library with a probe comprising of the partial sequence.