Rothamsted Research Limited

Peter Eastmond

Govindprasad Bhutada

Henricus Egbertus Gerardus Van Erp

Described herein are non-human organisms for producing triacylglycerol wherein the non-human organism is genetically modified to express a lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase specific for C16:0-Coenzyme A (C16:0 LPAT) and wherein, once expressed, the C16:0 LPAT is localised in the endoplasmic reticulum. Also described are non-human organisms for producing triacylglycerol in which (a) a lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase specific for C16:0-Coenzyme A (C16:0 LPAT) is localised in the endoplasmic reticulum; and (b) activity of native endoplasmic reticulum lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (ER LPAT) is suppressed or prevented. Further described are non-human organisms in which a chloroplast lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAT) is expressed, wherein said chloroplast LPAT lacks a functional chloroplast targeting signal. The disclosure also relates to methods for extracting triacylglycerol from the organisms and the use thereof in infant formula.

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Harpenden, United Kingdom

Peter Eastmond