The surprising diversity of Δ6-desaturase substrates. (1st February 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guillou, H.; D'Andrea, S.; Rioux, V.; Jan, S.; Legrand, P.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 32:Number 1(2004)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2004-02-01
• Subjects: Δ6-desaturase -- FADS2 -- palmitic acid -- polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA); Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/bst0320086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : A single gene encoding a δ6-desaturase (FADS2) has been isolated and characterized in mammalian species. This δ6-desaturase plays a major role in the biosynthesis of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids). It catalyses the rate-limiting desaturation of linoleic acid (C18:2 n −6) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n −3) required for the biosynthesis of long-chain PUFAs. Moreover, recent studies have provided strong evidence that this δ6-desaturase also acts on 24-carbon PUFAs of both the n −6 and n −3 series. Another substrate of this δ6-desaturase has been identified through complementary works from different investigators. This δ6-desaturase acts on a saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid (C16:0 ), leading to the newly characterized biosynthesis of hexadecenoic acid (C16:1 n −10) or sapienate.