Acyltransferases and their role in the biosynthesis of lipids - opportunities for new oils

Recent advances concerning the role played by acyltransferase enzymes in the biosynthesis of plant storage lipids are critically evaluated. Cloning of both acyl-CoA-dependent and -independent enzymes has been achieved together with the determination of the first crystal structure of a soluble chloroplast acyltransferase. It is concluded that the manipulation of these enzymes can have major effects on the composition of triacylglycerols in storage lipids and that more than one pathway exists for the manufacture of triacylglycerols in plants.