FAE1 — Brassica juncea

Summary

BjFAE1 (BJUB03G42000S) on chromosome B03 of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) encodes a 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase, a member of the FAE1-type polyketide synthase family with thiolase-like and acyltransferase domains. The enzyme exhibits naringenin-chalcone synthase and biphenyl synthase activities, and is associated with protein homodimerization. It is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and membrane. BjFAE1 is associated with fatty acid elongation, very-long-chain fatty acid metabolism, lipogenesis, and polyketide and flavonoid biosynthesis. The gene has been linked to seed oil content and composition, eicosenoic acid content, very-long-chain fatty acid production, and trichome development. Associations with drought tolerance, water use efficiency, and protein content have also been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to erucic acid content, seed very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation, and wax ester accumulation.