| abstract |
The present invention relates to a fatty acid Δ5-desaturase able to catalyze the conversion of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid to arachidonic acid. Nucleic acid sequences encoding a Δ5-desaturase, nucleic acid sequences which hibridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising a Δ5-desaturase gene, recombinant host insect or animal expressing increased levels of a Δ5-desaturase, purified Δ5-desaturase proteins and antibodies (polyclonal and monoclonal) to the purified Δ5-desaturase proteins are described. Methods for desaturating a fatty acid at the Δ5 position and for producing arachidonic acid by expressing increased levels of a Δ5 desaturase are disclosed. Methods of producing transgenic oil in microorganisms are disclosed. Methods of purifying the oils and preparing the oils for food products are also disclosed. Fatty acids, and oils containing them, which have been desaturated by a Δ5-desaturase produced by recombinant host microorganisms or animals are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, infant formulas or dietary supplements containing fatty acids which have been desaturated by a Δ5-desaturase produced by a recombinant host microorganism or animal also are described. |