New Elongase Gene And Production Of Δ9-polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Patent WO 2002/077213 A2)

The invention relates to a new elongase gene having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or its derivatives, to a gene construct comprising this sequence or its derivatives and to its use. The inventive nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide which elongates alpha -linolenic acid (C>18:3 d9, 12, 15<) by at least two carbon atoms whereas gamma -linolenic acid (C >18:3 d6, 9, 12<) is not elongated. The invention additionally relates to vectors or organisms comprising an elongase gene having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or its derivatives. The invention further relates to a process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) with an organism which comprises the elongase gene and which organism produces high amounts of oils and especially oils with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Additionally the invention relates to an oil and/or fatty acid composition with a higher content of polyunsaturated C>20< or C>22< fatty acids with at least two double bonds and/or to a triacylglycerol composition with a higher content of said polyunsaturated fatty acids.