ABSTRACT

Allene oxide synthase (AOS) transforms conjugated hydroperoxydiene fatty acids from lipoxygenase (LOX) action into allene oxides, such as the conversion of 13(S)- hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid [13(S)-HPODE] into 12,13(S)-epoxy9(Z),11-octa-decadienoic acid. A unique feature of AOS is its unusually high turnover of about 1000/ sec [1]. This feature combined with the lack of requirements for cofactors, O2, or other special conditions, make AOS an attractive possibility for use as a biocatalyst. As discussed later, diverse product fatty acids can be derived from the allene oxide.