Abstract: The present application is directed to a process for the production of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid in a transgenic microorganism comprising the steps of: (a) introducing into said microorganism at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding a trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid isomerase, (b) culturing the transgenic microorganism obtained under (a), (c) inducing the production of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid by adding linoleic acid to the culture, (d) incubating the induced culture for at least 12 hours, and (e) isolating the conjugated linoleic acid from the culture media and/or transgenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of conjugated linoleic acid and a process for the production of triglycerides with an increased content of conjugated linoleic acid. Moreover, the invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence; a nucleic acid construct, a vector and transgenic organisms comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence or one nucleic acid construct which encodes a polypeptide with conjugated linoleic isomerase activity. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium as a probiotic.