Brookhaven Science Associates, Lcc

Dow Agrosciences LLC

Edward J Whittle

John Shanklin

Terence Anthony Walsh

Tam Huu Nguyen

Mark S Pidkowich

Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel &#x394;-18:0-ACP desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, nucleic acid molecules encode the novel &#x394;-18:0-ACP desaturase. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have &#x394;-18:0-ACP desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of &#x394;-18:0-ACP desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of unusual fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.

Accumulation of omega-7 fatty acids in plant seeds

The present invention relates to methods for producing fatty acid desaturase mutants having a substantially increased activity towards substrates with fewer than 18 carbon atom chains relative to an unmutagenized precursor desaturase having an 18 carbon chain length specificity, the sequences encoding the desaturases and to the desaturases that are produced by the methods. The present invention further relates to a method for altering a function of a protein, including a fatty acid desaturase, through directed mutagenesis involving identifying candidate amino acid residues, producing a library of mutants of the protein by simultaneously randomizing all amino acid candidates, and selecting for mutants which exhibit the desired alteration of function. Candidate amino acids are identified by a combination of methods. Enzymatic, binding, structural and other functions of proteins can be altered by the method.

Mutant fatty acid desaturase and methods for directed mutagenesis

The present invention relates to oleate hydroxylase genes, proteins, and methods of their use. The present invention also relates to methods of using the oleate hydroxylase genes and proteins, including in their expression in transgenic organisms and in the production of hydroxylated fatty acids.

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Greenport, NY, United States of America

Edward J Whittle