The subject invention relates to the identification of several genes involved
in the elongation of polyunsaturated acids (i.e., "elongases") and to uses thereof.
At least two of these genes are also involved in the elongation of monounsaturated
fatty acids. In particular, elongase is utilized in the conversion of gamma linolenic
acid (GLA) to dihomogama linolenic acid (DGLA) and in the conversion of DGLA or
20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DGLA may be utilized in the production
of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachiodonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA), EPA, adrenic acid, 6-docosapentaenoic acid or 3-docosapentaenoic
acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions,
animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.
