Fatty acid desaturase

[2] In the biosynthesis of essential fatty acids, an elongase alternates with various desaturases (for example, Δ6-desaturase) repeatedly inserts an ethyl group, then forms a double bond.

Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) are incorporated into phospholipids and participate in cell signaling.

[5] Fatty acid desaturase appear in all organisms: for example, bacteria, fungus, plants, animals and humans.

[4] Δ9-desaturase, also known as stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, is used to synthesize oleic acid, a monounsaturated, ubiquitous component of all cells in the human body, and the major fatty acid in mammalian adipose triglycerides, and also used for phospholipid and cholesteryl ester synthesis.

[7] Linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) are essential for human health and development, and should therefore be consumed by diets, like 15 ml of hemp seed oil, or/and 33 gram of hemp seed protein a day,[13] can provide all the protein, essential fatty acids, and dietary fiber necessary for human survival for one day,[14] as their absence has been found responsible for the development of a wide range of diseases such as metabolic disorders,[15] cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory processes, viral infections, certain types of cancer and autoimmune disorders.

[16] Human fatty acid desaturases include: DEGS1; DEGS2; FADS1; FADS2; FADS3; FADS6; SCD4; SCD5 Δ-desaturases are represented by two distinct families which do not seem to be evolutionarily related.