| abstract |
Genomic DNA and cDNA encoding Δ9-desaturase from anmicroorganism belonging to the subgenus Mortierella of thengenus Mortierella , an expression vector for expressionnthereof, and a transformant are disclosed. A method fornproducing Δ9-desaturase by use of a gene encoding the enzymenis also disclosed. Introduction of the Δ9-desaturase genenof the present invention into an unsaturated fatty acidnproducing cell can enhance conversion into palmitoleic acidnor oleic acid, starting materials for unsaturated fattynacids, and can increase the production of unsaturated fattynacids. By combining a gene for cytochrome b5 or a gene forncytochrome b5 reductase, constituents of the microsomalnelectron transport system, with the Δ9-desaturase of thenpresent invention, more efficient production can be expected.nΔ9-desaturase can also be produced with high efficiency by anrecombinant DNA technology. |