Transgenic production of arachidonic acid in oilseeds

Transgenic Res. 2012 Feb;21(1):139-47. doi: 10.1007/s11248-011-9517-7. Epub 2011 May 1.

Abstract

We describe a transgenic microalgal Δ9-elongase pathway transformed in both Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana seed resulting in the production of arachidonic acid (ARA). This pathway is noteworthy for both the production of ARA in seed tissue and the low levels of intermediate C20 fatty acids that accumulate. We also demonstrate that the arachidonic acid is naturally enriched at the sn2 position in triacylglycerol. This is the first report of ARA production by the Δ9-elongase pathway in an oilseed.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Arachidonic Acid / biosynthesis*
  • Arachidonic Acid / metabolism
  • Brassica napus / genetics*
  • Brassica napus / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Enzymes / genetics
  • Enzymes / metabolism
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Seeds / genetics
  • Seeds / metabolism*
  • Triglycerides / chemistry

Substances

  • Enzymes
  • Triglycerides
  • Arachidonic Acid