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Categories: biotechnology & health, environment
BSA 02-01: Mutant Fatty Acid Desaturase and Method for Directed Mutagenesis
BNL Reference Number: BSA 02-01
Patent Status: U.S. Patent Number 6,686,186 was issued on February 3, 2004
Summary
This technology provides methods for selecting for specific 18:0 fatty acid desaturase genes that produce desaturases that have enhanced activities towards fatty acid chains containing fewer than 18 carbon atoms. The selection procedure is simple and provides a collection of individual mutant desaturase genes.
Description
Describes a selection procedure for identifying mutant 18:0 fatty acid desaturase genes obtained by site directed mutagenesis which have significantly higher enzymatic activity towards substrates with fewer than 18 carbon atom chains.
Benefits
The selection of fatty acid desaturase genes for incorporation into oilseed plants for production of crops with increased amounts of specialty oils is greatly simplified by the selection procedure of this invention. Coupled with the continuation in part (US patent 7,323,335) invention, optimization of the mutant activity is readily accessible.
Applications and Industries
The cDNA fragments encoding these mutant desaturases can be introduced via expression vectors into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and can be used in the production of transgenic plants. These mutant forms of the fatty acid desaturase enzyme offer a way to modify the fatty acid content and composition of oilseed crops.
Journal Publication
Press Releases
Have Questions?
For more information about this technology, contact Christine Brakel, (631) 344-7134.
