DPA-Rich Plant Lipids Through DHA-Blocking Pathway Engineering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more efficient production of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in recombinant cells, particularly in the seeds of oilseed plants, as existing methods yield limited quantities and are often accompanied by the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Innovation Solution
The method involves producing extracted lipids from plant or microbial sources with high levels of DPA, ranging from 7% to 35% of the total fatty acid content, with minimal DHA presence, and ensuring that at least 35% of DPA is esterified at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol (TAG).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing methods are used to produce LC-PUFA in plant cells, then production occurs, but the yield of DPA is limited and DHA is produced alongside it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the Δ6-desaturase enzyme from the biosynthetic pathway, preventing the conversion of LA to GLA and subsequently to ARA and DHA. This selective removal eliminates the unwanted DHA production while preserving DPA synthesis through the alternative Δ9-desaturation pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific enzymatic activities (Δ9-desaturase and Δ5-desaturase) at particular positions in the fatty acid synthesis pathway to create a localized modification that directs metabolism toward DPA production while blocking the DHA pathway
2Quantity of substance
If fish-derived sources are used for LC-PUFA, then high levels of DPA and DHA are obtained, but sustainability and availability are compromised due to fisheries decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses genetically modified plant cells as an intermediary system to produce LC-PUFA. The plants serve as a sustainable mediator that converts readily available fatty acid substrates (LA and ALA) into high-value DPA, replacing the need for fish-derived sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the source parameter from animal (fish) to plant-based systems, and modifies the metabolic parameters of the plants through genetic engineering to achieve high DPA accumulation (7-35% of total fatty acids)
3Adaptability or versatility
If plant cells are engineered to produce LC-PUFA, then alternative source is created, but the conversion rate from LA or ALA is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that the host plant cells already possess the necessary Δ5-desaturase activity and other pathway enzymes before introducing the Δ9-desaturase. This preliminary preparation of the metabolic pathway enables efficient DPA production once the key enzymatic step is added
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a biosynthetic pathway that can utilize multiple substrates (both LA and ALA) and employs enzymes with broad substrate specificity, allowing the system to flexibly convert available fatty acids into DPA through a unified metabolic route
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to extracted plant lipid or microbial lipid comprising docosapentaenoic acid, and processes for producing the extracted lipid.