Engineering PUFA Synthase for Enhanced Production of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Insights and Applications

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for maintaining human health, playing a critical role in preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting brain development. PUFAs can be synthesized through two independent biosynthetic pathways: the desaturase/elongase pathway and the PUFA synthase pathway. Among these, PUFA synthase is a crucial enzyme analogous to fatty acid synthase (FAS) and iterative polyketide synthase (PKS). Its high synthetic efficiency presents significant potential for enhancing fatty acid biosynthesis and expanding its applications. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have progressively clarified the catalytic mechanisms of PUFA synthase, enabling the more precise engineering of this enzyme. This Review provides a comprehensive analysis of PUFA synthase, emphasizing its catalytic potential, engineering prospects, and expanding applications in fatty acid biosynthesis, offering novel insights for advancing its role in industrial and pharmaceutical innovation.