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, genes encoding diacylglycerol
acyltransferase (DGAT1) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica and
Mortierella alpina. 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.