The production of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in transgenic plants

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) now have a proven role in human health and nutrition, including the n-3 forms normally found in fish oils. Unfortunately, global fish stocks are now more than ever subject to over-fishing and environmental pollution, indicating the need for an alternative source of fish oils. Recent efforts have focussed on the production of LC-PUFA in transgenic plants to provide a sustainable and clean source of fish oils. The current progress in this area is considered, as well as the bottlenecks that remain to be overcome.