Desaturase genes and uses thereof
First Claim
1. An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
- 14, wherein said nucleic acid sequence encodes a functionally active Δ
6-desaturase.
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Accused Products
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.
91 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
- 14, wherein said nucleic acid sequence encodes a functionally active Δ
6-desaturase. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
- 14, wherein said nucleic acid sequence encodes a functionally active Δ
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4. A method of producing a desaturase in a host cell in vitro comprising the steps of:
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a) isolating a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;
13;b) constructing a vector comprising;
i) said isolated nucleotide sequence operably linked to ii) a regulatory sequence;c) introducing said vector into a host cell in vitro for a time and under conditions sufficient for expression of said desaturase.
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5. A vector comprising:
a) a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;
13, operably linked to b) a regulatory sequence.- View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for producing a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising the steps of:
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a) isolating a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;
13;b) constructing a vector comprising said isolated nucleotide sequence; c) introducing said vector into a host cell in vitro for a time and under conditions sufficient for expression of Δ
6-desaturase enzyme; andd) exposing said expressed Δ
6-desaturase enzyme to a substrate polyunsaturated fatty acid in order to convert said substrate to a product polyunsaturated fatty acid. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide wherein said polypeptide:
- 1) has at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO;
14;
2) has a third histidine box motif consisting essentially of QXXHH; and
3) encodes a functionally active Δ
6-desaturase.
- 1) has at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO;
Specification