Biochemistry of triacylglycerol biosynthesis Structure and function of membrane bound acyltransferases Genetically modifying the physical properties of seed oils for industrial and biofuel applications My laboratory uses modern biochemical and genomic approaches to better understand the synthesis of triacylglycerols in seeds. In particular, we are characterizing a novel acyltransferase named EaDAcT (Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase) isolated from the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus). EaDAcT is responsible for the synthesis of the unusual, reduced viscosity oil found in the seeds of this ornamental plant. The unusual substrate specificity of EaDAcT makes it a useful model to understand the relationship between structure and enzyme function within the larger family of membrane bound acyltransferases, many of which are involved in lipid metabolism. We are also expressing EaDAcT in oil crops in order to produce seed oil with physical and chemical properties useful for different industrial and biofuel applications.