Objective: To study the relation between mRNA expression of delta5-desaturase gene and arachidonic acid production.
Methods: Using fluorescence quantitative PCR, we determined the mRNA expression levels of delta5-desaturase gene of five Mortierlla isabellina strains cultured for the same time and strain YZ-124 cultured for different time. Simultaneously, we measured the contents of arachidonic acid by gas chromatography.
Results: The results showed that delta5-desaturase gene mRNA expression level of distinct strains was different. Expression level of the original strain As3. 3410 was the lowest, whereas that of the mutant strain YZ-124 was the highest. The mRNA expression of delta5-desaturases gene decreased gradually with fermentation time.
Conclusion: According to arachidonic acid yield, mRNA expression quantity of delta5-desaturase gene presented a positive correlation with arachidonic acid content in cultured oil.