FADS1

Fatty acid desaturase 1 is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the FADS1 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the is_associated_with::fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene family. Desaturase enzymes regulate unsaturation of is_associated_with::fatty acids through the introduction of double bonds between defined carbons of the fatty acyl chain. FADS family members are considered fusion products composed of an N-terminal is_associated_with::cytochrome b5-like domain and a C-terminal multiple membrane-spanning desaturase portion, both of which are characterized by conserved is_associated_with::histidine motifs. This gene is clustered with family members FADS1 and is_associated_with::FADS2 at 11q12-q13.1; this cluster is thought to have arisen evolutionarily from gene duplication based on its similar exon/intron organization.

Clinical significance
is_associated_with::Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FADS1 and FADS2 may affect long-chain is_associated_with::polyunsaturated is_associated_with::fatty acids (LC-PUFA) metabolism and have a potential role in the development of atopic diseases.