Malacostraca 8-Lipoxygenase for EPA Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low content of 8-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (8-HEPE) in Pacific krill makes it challenging to utilize as a functional component or pharmaceutical product, as existing methods are inefficient in mass producing this compound.
Innovation Solution
Identification and isolation of a lipoxygenase gene from Pacific krill using next-generation sequencer analysis and bioinformatic tools, which enables the conversion of eicosapentaenoic acid into 8-HEPE, along with other related fatty acids, through enzymatic oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If 8-HEPE is harvested from Pacific krill, then 8-HEPE can be obtained as a functional component, but the amount harvested is miniscule due to low natural content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces 8-lipoxygenase as an intermediary substance that catalyzes the conversion of EPA to 8-HEPE. Instead of directly harvesting 8-HEPE from krill, the enzyme acts as a mediator to produce 8-HEPE from abundant EPA, thereby solving the low quantity problem while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the krill's own 8-lipoxygenase enzyme to convert its abundant EPA into 8-HEPE. The system essentially serves itself by using endogenous enzymes and substrates to produce the desired product, eliminating the need for external production systems and achieving both high quantity and productivity
2Productivity
If enzymatic production of 8-HEPE is implemented, then mass production becomes possible, but new technology development is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the natural enzymatic reaction system from krill by isolating and characterizing 8-lipoxygenase. Instead of developing entirely new production technology, the invention replicates the natural biosynthetic pathway, achieving mass production capability while keeping technology complexity manageable through biomimicry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters such as temperature (20°C), pH, and substrate concentration to maximize 8-lipoxygenase activity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high productivity without requiring complex equipment or processes, solving the contradiction between mass production and technology complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the highly efficient generation of 8-HEPE, 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and 10-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid, overcoming the limitations of low natural abundance and enabling their use as functional components or pharmaceutical products.
Implementation Method 1
an 8-lipoxygenase derived from Malacostraca, having activity to oxidize carbon at position 8 of an eicosapentaenoic acid
Implementation Method 2
oxidation (hydroxylation) of carbon at position 8 of an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a lipoxygenase that enables the highly efficient formation of an oxide of a highly unsaturated fatty acid or an oxide of a highly unsaturated fatty acid derivative from a highly unsaturated fatty acid or a highly unsaturated fatty acid derivative. The present invention provides a lipoxygenase that enables the highly efficient formation of 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid from arachidonic acid, the highly efficient formation of 8-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid from eicosapentaenoic acid, and the highly efficient formation of 10-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid from docosahexaenoic acid. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide that comprises the nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and 3, or a homolog thereof, and a polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 and 4, or a homolog thereof. Also provided is a composition that comprises a membrane protein of an organism belonging to the class Malacostraca and is for carrying out a lipoxygenase reaction.