Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.

Novogy, Inc.

Donald V Crabtree

Arthur J Shaw, Iv

Hannah Blitzblau

Disclosed herein are cells, nucleic acids, and proteins that can be used to produce branched (methyl)lipids, such as 10-methylstearic acids, and compositions that include such lipids. Cells disclosed herein comprise methyltransferase and/or reductase genes from bacteria of the class Gammaproteobacteria, which encode enzymes capable of catalyzing the production of branched (methyl)lipids from unbranched, unsaturated lipids. Saturated branched (methyl)lipids produced using embodiments of the present invention have favorable low-temperature fluidity and favorable oxidative stability, which are desirable properties for lubricants and specialty fluids.

Heterologous production of 10-methylstearic acid by cells expressing recombinant methyltransferase

Nucleic acids and cells comprising a methyltransferase gene and/or a reductase gene are disclosed. These nucleic acids and cells may be used to produce branched (methyl)lipids, such as 10-methylstearate.

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Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Donald V Crabtree