The present invention relates to diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and
proteins, and methods of their use. In particular, the invention
describes genes and proteins that exhibit both long-chain acyltransferase
and acetyltransferase activity. The present invention encompasses both
native and recombinant wild-type forms of the transferase, as well as
mutants and variant forms, some of which possess altered characteristics
relative to the wild-type transferase. The present invention also relates
to methods of using diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and proteins,
including in their expression in transgenic organisms and in the
production of acetyl-glycerides in plant oils, and in particular seed
oils.