Abstract
An oleaginous fungus, Mortierella alpina 1S-4, is used commercially for arachidonic acid production. Delta12-Desaturase, which desaturates oleic acid (18:1n-9) to linoleic acid (18:2n-6), is a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid biosynthetic pathway. To determine if RNA interference (RNAi) by double-stranded RNA occurs in M. alpina 1S-4, we silenced the Delta12-desaturase gene. The silenced strains accumulate 18:2n-9, 20:2n-9, and Mead acid (20:3n-9), which are not detected in either the control strain or wild type strain 1S-4. The fatty acid composition of stable transformants was similar to that of Delta12-desaturation-defective mutants previously identified. Thus, RNAi occurs in M. alpina and could be used to alter the types and relative amounts of fatty acids produced by commercial strains of this fungus without mutagenesis or other permanent changes in the genetic background of the producing strains.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
