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Genes to Alter the Oil Content and Composition in Brassica Seeds
Summary
Researchers at the Plant Biotechnology Institute have identified and characterized a series of genes involved in altering the content and composition of seed oil in plants.
Plant Extraplastidic Membrane Bound GPAT
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) is responsible for catalyzing the first step of glycerolipid biosynthesis in plants. PBI-NRC has isolated and characterized an extraplastidic membrane-bound GPAT gene from Arabidopsis.
Modification of plant lipids and seed oils utilizing SLC genes
The second step in the synthesis of triglycerides in oil seeds is the incorporation of fatty acids at the sn-2 position via 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. PBI-NRC has identified a mutant sn-2 acyltransferase from yeast (SLC1-1). The plant homologue of this gene has been transformed into plants and produces an increase in very long-chain monounsaturated (eicosenoic and erucic) fatty acids, overall oil content, and average seed weight.
Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase (DGAT) Genes
The final step in the formation of triglycerides is the addition of the third fatty acid by the acylation of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) by diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) to form TAG. Researchers at PBI-NRC have isolated and characterized a Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus ) DGAT gene. Transformed plants show an increase in oil content, seed weight and altered fatty acid composition. More specifically, this gene enhances the production of very long chain fatty acids, such as erucic acid (22:1). This patent application is pending and has not been published.
Fatty acid elongase (FAE) genes
PBI researchers have identified numerous genes involved in elongation of long chain fatty acids. FAE genes have been isolated and characterized from Nasturium, Crambe, Lunnaria annua, Cardamie graeca and Arabidopsis.
These genes are available for licensing singly, or in combination.
