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Functional identification of a fatty acid Δ 5 desaturase gene from Caenorhabditis elegans
Author(s) -
Michaelson Louise V.,
Napier Johnathan A.,
Lewis Mervyn,
Griffiths Gareth,
Lazarus Colin M.,
Stobart A.Keith
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)01385-4
Subject(s) - caenorhabditis elegans , gene , biology , identification (biology) , genetics , fatty acid , biochemistry , botany
We have identified a cDNA from the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans that encodes a fatty acid Δ 5 desaturase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the full‐length cDNA was able to convert di‐homo‐γ‐linolenic acid to arachidonic acid, thus confirming Δ 5 desaturation. The 1341 bp Δ 5 desaturase sequence contained an N‐terminal cytochrome b 5 domain and was located within a kilobase of the C. elegans Δ 6 desaturase on chromosome IV. With an amino acid identity of 45% it is possible that one of these genes arose from the other by gene duplication. This is the first example of a Δ 5 desaturase gene isolated from an animal.