INFORM October 2025

16 • inform October 2025, Vol. 36 (9)

In our research group, when we think about plant oils, we think beyond the conventional. Across the plant kingdom, hundreds of unique triacylglycerol (TAG) structures, the main components of oils, are produced by different plant species. Some of these TAGs contain unusual fatty acids (FA) with atypical chain lengths, functional groups, or double bonds in unconventional positions. The difference in structures gives plant oils distinct physical and chemical properties which make them useful in many industries. However, a lot of species that naturally produce them are not suitable for large-scale production. This raises a key question for our work: How can we produce these valuable, structurally diverse oils in crops with favorable agronomic traits? Metabolic engineering enables lipid redesign Linah Alkotami and Timothy Durrett

Genetically engineered oilseed crops could serve as alternative plat forms to make these oils more accessible. Yet, researchers report having difficulty achieving native-like oil levels in engineered crops. Recent advances in systems biology and molecular techniques give us a better understanding of the complex pathways involved in the biosynthesis of diverse oils. Our lab recently demonstrated a prom ising result in engineering specialized oils ( https://doi.org/10.1073/ pnas.2412542121 ). Through pathway optimization, we enabled the pro O O sn-1 sn-1 Euonymus alatus

• Acetyl-TAGs have low viscosity and better cold properties, making them suitable for industrial applications. • Native plants that produce acetyl TAGs lack traits needed for large-scale cultivation. • Selective enzymes reduced competition from endogenous pathways and increased substrate availability resulting in almost pure levels of acetyl-TAG in transgenic camelina and pennycress seeds.

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sn-2

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sn-3

sn-3

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Euonymus fortunei

Celastrus scandens

TAG Acetyl-TAG An image of seeds from species such as Euonymus alatus and E. fortunei , which naturally accumulate acetyl-TAGs at high levels. Structures of TAG and acetyl-TAG with the acetyl group indicated in red. Unlike conventional TAGs, which contain three long-chain fatty acids, acetyl-TAGs feature an acetate group at the sn-3 position, lowering viscosity and improving cold flow properties. Source: Durrett Lab.

Acetyl-CoA pool

Acetyl-TAG