Biotechnology for improving hydroxy fatty acids production in lesquerella

Authors: Chen, Grace; Johnson, Kumiko

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/5/2023
Publication Date: 2/13/2023
Citation: Chen, G.Q., Johnson, K. 2023. Biotechnology for improving hydroxy fatty acids production in lesquerella. Book Chapter. http://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109271.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109271

Interpretive Summary: The conventional source of hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) is from castor (Ricinus communis), which contains 90% ricinoleic acid (18:1OH) in its seed oil. The fatty acid 18:1OH and its derivatives are used as raw materials for numerous industrial products, such as lubricants, plastics and surfactants. The production of castor oil is hampered by the presence of the toxin ricin and hyper-allergenic 2S albumins in its seeds. Lesquerella seed oil contains a major HFA, lesquerolic acid at 55%–60%, therefore, efforts have been made through plant breeding to develop lesquerella as a new oilseed crop for a safe source of HFA. Using biotechnology, we have demonstrated that significant high levels of 18:1OH can be achieved by blocking the desaturation and elongation steps in lesquerella. Moreover, introducing a castor acyltransferase enhances castor oil like molecular accumulation in lesquerella. Our results not only provide tools for engineering castor oil-producing lesquerella, but also enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of HFA synthesis.

Technical Abstract: The conventional source of hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) is from castor (Ricinus communis), which contains 90% ricinoleic acid (18:1OH) in its seed oil. The fatty acid 18:1OH and its derivatives are used as raw materials for numerous industrial products, such as lubricants, plastics and surfactants. The production of castor oil is hampered by the presence of the toxin ricin and hyper-allergenic 2S albumins in its seeds. Lesquerella seed oil contains a major HFA, lesquerolic acid at 55%–60%, therefore, efforts have been made through plant breeding to develop lesquerella as a new oilseed crop for a safe source of HFA. Using biotechnology, we have demonstrated that significant high levels of 18:1OH can be achieved by blocking the desaturation and elongation steps in lesquerella. Moreover, introducing a castor acyltransferase enhances castor oil like molecular accumulation in lesquerella. Our results not only provide tools for engineering castor oil-producing lesquerella, but also enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of HFA synthesis.