Two acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of
microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g.,
Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, the genes encoding
phophatidylcholine-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) and
diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT2) have been isolated from Y.
lipolytica. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal
step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in
altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of
oleaginous yeasts.