| abstract |
The subject invention relates to the identification of a gene involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 5 (i.e., "human DELTA5-desaturase") and to uses thereof. In particular, human DELTA5-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and in the conversion of 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). 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. |