Generation of Fad2 and Fad3 transgenic mice that produce n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Issue 10 (23rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Lishuang; Yang, Lei; Wang, Jiapeng; Liu, Xuefei; Bai, Lige; Di, Anqi; Li, Guangpeng
• Is Part Of: Open biology. Volume 9:Issue 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-23
• Subjects: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) -- n-3/6 PUFAs -- fatty acid desaturase (Fad) -- Fad2/3 -- transgenic mice; Biology -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2441

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract : Linoleic acid (18 : 2, n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18 : 3, n-3) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for mammalian health, development and growth. However, the majority of mammals, including humans, are incapable of synthesizing n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. Mammals must obtain n-6 and n-3 PUFAs from their diet. Fatty acid desaturase (Fad) plays a critical role in plant PUFA biosynthesis. Therefore, we generated plant-derived Fad3 single and Fad2–Fad3 double transgenic mice. Compared with wild-type mice, we found that PUFA levels were greatly increased in the single and double transgenic mice by measuring PUFA levels. Moreover, the concentration of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs in the Fad2–Fad3 double transgenic mice were greater than in the Fad3 single transgenic mice. These results demonstrate that the plant-derived Fad2 and Fad3 genes can be expressed in mammals. To clarify the mechanism for Fad2 and Fad3 genes in transgenic mice, we measured the PUFAs synthesis-related genes. Compared with wild-type mice, these Fad transgenic mice have their own n-3 and n-6 PUFAs biosynthetic pathways. Thus, we have established a simple and efficient method for in vivo synthesis of PUFAs.