Elongase genes and uses thereof
US7070970B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12P7/6434
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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, ω6-docosapentaenoic acid or ω3-docosapentaenoic acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.