| abstract |
Disclosed herein are cells, nucleic acids, and proteins that can be used to produce branched (methyl)lipids, such as 10-methylstearic acids, and compositions that include such lipids. Cells disclosed herein comprise methyltransferase and/or reductase genes from bacteria of the class Gammaproteobacteria, which encode enzymes capable of catalyzing the production of branched (methyl)lipids from unbranched, unsaturated lipids. Saturated branched (methyl)lipids produced using embodiments of the present invention have favorable low-temperature fluidity and favorable oxidative stability, which are desirable properties for lubricants and specialty fluids. |