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Article: Endogenous Production and Elevated Levels of Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acids in the Milk of Transgenic Mice
- Article from:
- Journal of Dairy Science
- Article date:
- August 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright American Dairy Science Association Aug 2006. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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ABSTRACT
N-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are important for the normal development and functioning of all organisms. Mammals lack the n-3 fatty acid desaturase required for the synthesis of α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), and are therefore dependent on dietary sources to obtain this essential fatty acid. Currently, the richest source of dietary long-chain n-3 PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), are triacylglycerides extracted from rapidly declining marine resources. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans synthesizes a wide range of PUFA and possesses the only known example of an n-3 fatty acid desaturase enzyme in the animal kingdom. Transgenic ...