FAD3 — Brassica napus

Summary

BnFAD3 (DARMORV10_C03P19640.1) on oilseed rape chromosome C03 encodes a fatty acid desaturase with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid desaturase activities, as well as acyl-lipid desaturase (cytochrome B5) and oxidoreductase functions. This gene is associated with unsaturated fatty acid anabolism, lipogenesis, cold acclimation, salinity response, and the lipoxygenase pathway. It localises to the chloroplast membrane, ER membrane, and nucleus. BnFAD3 is linked to alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, seed protein content, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, stomatal resistance, leaf area index, seed viability, flower development, temperature stress responses, and disease tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to linolenic acid content, cold tolerance, salt tolerance, aphid resistance, and fatty acid composition in seeds.