Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 6 (i.e., “?6-desaturase”). In particular, ?6-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid to ?-linolenic acid and in the conversion of ?-linolenic acid stearidonic acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by use of the enzyme may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 6 (i.e., “?6-desaturase”). In particular, ?6-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid to ?-linolenic acid and in the conversion of ?-linolenic acid stearidonic acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by use of the enzyme may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 6 (i.e., “?6-desaturase”). In particular, ?6-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid to ?-linolenic acid and in the conversion of ?-linolenic acid stearidonic acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by use of the enzyme may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of four genes involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated acids (i.e., “elongases”) and to uses thereof. Two of these genes are also involved in the elongation of monounsaturated fatty acids. In particular, elongase is utilized in the conversion of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and in the conversion of DGLA or 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DGLA may be utilized in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), EPA, adrenic acid, ?6-docosapentaenoic acid or ?3-docosapentaenoic acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of four genes involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated acids (i.e., “elongases”) and to uses thereof. Two of these genes are also involved in the elongation of monounsaturated fatty acids. In particular, elongase is utilized in the conversion of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and in the conversion of DGLA or 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DGLA may be utilized in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), EPA, adrenic acid, &ohgr;6-docosapentaenoic acid or &ohgr;3-docosapentaenoic acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.