Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish: recent advances on desaturases and elongases involved in their biosynthesis

Citation

Monroig O, Tocher DR & Navarro JC (2011) Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish: recent advances on desaturases and elongases involved in their biosynthesis. In: Cruz-Suarez L, Ricque-Marie D, Tapia-Salazar M, Nieto-López M, Villarreal-Cavazos D, Gamboa-Delgado J & Hernández-Hernández L (eds.) Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Aquaculture Nutrition, 23-25 November 2011, San Nicolás de los Garza, N.L. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Décimo Primer Simposio Internacional de Nutrición Acuícola, San Nicolás de los Garza, N. L., México, 23.11.2011-25.11.2011. Monterrey, México: Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, pp. 257-282. http://www.iztacala.unam.mx/XIsina/ingles.html

Abstract
The pathways of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis have been extensively investigated in farmed fish both for determining the specific dietary essential fatty acids that guarantee optimal growth and development in captivity, and also for maintaining high levels of the healthy n-3 LC-PUFA for human consumers. It is now well established that the capacity for LC-PUFA biosynthesis of a particular species depends upon the complement of the key enzymes required, namely the fatty acyl desaturases (Fad) and elongases of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovl). This paper reviews the recent progress made on the molecular aspects of Fad- and Elovl-encoding genes isolated so far from fish species. More specifically, we discuss the potential implications that Fad and Elovl functions and expression patterns have on the ability of a particular fish species to thrive on sustainable vegetable-based aquafeeds.

Keywords
biosynthesis; desaturase; elongase; essential fatty acid; fish nutrition; long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids