A single gene encoding a δ6-desaturase (FADS2) has been isolated and characterized in mammalian species. This δ6-desaturase plays a major role in the biosynthesis of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids). It catalyses the rate-limiting desaturation of linoleic acid (C18:2n−6) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n−3) required for the biosynthesis of long-chain PUFAs. Moreover, recent studies have provided strong evidence that this δ6-desaturase also acts on 24-carbon PUFAs of both the n−6 and n−3 series. Another substrate of this δ6-desaturase has been identified through complementary works from different investigators. This δ6-desaturase acts on a saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), leading to the newly characterized biosynthesis of hexadecenoic acid (C16:1n−10) or sapienate.

Keywords:
Δ6-desaturase, FADS2, palmitic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
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© 2004 Biochemical Society
2004
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