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Zhao Y, Shi J, Feng B, Yuan S, Yue X, Shi W, Yan Z, Xu D, Zuo J, Wang Q. Multi-omic analysis of the extension of broccoli quality during storage by folic acid. J Adv Res 2024; 59:65-78. [PMID: 37406731 PMCID: PMC11081962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Folic acid (FA) is a critical metabolite in all living organisms and an important nutritional component of broccoli. Few studies have been conducted on the impact of an exogenous application of FA on the postharvest physiology of fruits and vegetables during storage. In this regard, the mechanism by which an exogenous application of FA extends the postharvest quality of broccoli is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study utilized a multicomponent analysis to investigate how an exogenous application of FA effects the postharvest quality of broccoli. METHODS Broccoli was soaked in 5 mg/L FA for 10 min and the effect of the treatment on the appearance and nutritional quality of broccoli was evaluated. These data were combined with transcriptomic, metabolomic, and DNA methylation data to provide insight into the potential mechanism by which FA delays senescence. RESULTS The FA treatment inhibited the yellowing of broccoli during storage. CHH methylation was identified as the main type of methylation that occurs in broccoli and the FA treatment was found to inhibit DNA methylation, promote the accumulation of endogenous FA and chlorophyl, and inhibit ethylene biosynthesis in stored broccoli. The FA treatment also prevented the formation of off-odors by inhibiting the degradation of glucosinolate. CONCLUSIONS FA treatment inhibited the loss of nutrients during the storage of broccoli, delayed its yellowing, and inhibited the generation of off-odors. Our study provides deeper insight into the mechanism by which the postharvest application of FA delays postharvest senescence in broccoli and provides the foundation for further studies of postharvest metabolism in broccoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China; State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Bihong Feng
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Shuzhi Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xiaozhen Yue
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Wenlin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China; College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhicheng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Dongying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jinhua Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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Verbeecke V, Custódio L, Strobbe S, Van Der Straeten D. The role of orphan crops in the transition to nutritional quality-oriented crop improvement. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108242. [PMID: 37640278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrient malnutrition is a persisting problem threatening global human health. Biofortification via metabolic engineering has been proposed as a cost-effective and short-term means to alleviate this burden. There has been a recent rise in the recognition of potential that underutilized, orphan crops can hold in decreasing malnutrition concerns. Here, we illustrate how orphan crops can serve as a medium to provide micronutrients to populations in need, whilst promoting and maintaining dietary diversity. We provide a roadmap, illustrating which aspects to be taken into consideration when evaluating orphan crops. Recent developments have shown successful biofortification via metabolic engineering in staple crops. This review provides guidance in the implementation of these successes to relevant orphan crop species, with a specific focus on the relevant micronutrients iron, zinc, provitamin A and folates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Verbeecke
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Custódio
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Khan A, Pudhuvai B, Shrestha A, Mishra AK, Shah MP, Koul B, Dey N. CRISPR-mediated iron and folate biofortification in crops: advances and perspectives. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-31. [PMID: 37092872 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2205202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiency conditions, such as anemia, are the most prevalent global health problem due to inadequate iron and folate in dietary sources. Biofortification advancements can propel the rapid amelioration of nutritionally beneficial components in crops that are required to combat the adverse effects of micronutrient deficiencies on human health. To date, several strategies have been proposed to increase micronutrients in plants to improve food quality, but very few approaches have intrigued `clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats' (CRISPR) modules for the enhancement of iron and folate concentration in the edible parts of plants. In this review, we discuss two important approaches to simultaneously enhance the bioavailability of iron and folate concentrations in rice endosperms by utilizing advanced CRISPR-Cas9-based technology. This includes the 'tuning of cis-elements' and 'enhancer re-shuffling' in the regulatory components of genes that play a vital role in iron and folate biosynthesis/transportation pathways. In particular, base-editing and enhancer re-installation in native promoters of selected genes can lead to enhanced accumulation of iron and folate levels in the rice endosperm. The re-distribution of micronutrients in specific plant organs can be made possible using the above-mentioned contemporary approaches. Overall, the present review discusses the possible approaches for synchronized iron and folate biofortification through modification in regulatory gene circuits employing CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahamed Khan
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Baveesh Pudhuvai
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ankita Shrestha
- Division of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Mishra
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maulin P Shah
- Division of Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Enviro Technology Ltd, Ankleshwar, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhupendra Koul
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Nrisingha Dey
- Division of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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4
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Tao N, Cheng B, Chai H, Cui X, Ma Y, Yan J, Zhao Y, Chen W. A Putative Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase I Named CaGCH1 Is Involved in Hyphal Branching and Fruiting Development in Cyclocybe aegerita. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870658. [PMID: 35535251 PMCID: PMC9076582 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) is the limiting enzyme of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis pathway. The disruption of gch1 gene may cause conditional lethality due to folic acid auxotrophy in microorganisms, although the function of gch1 in basidiomycetes has not been deciphered so far. In the present study, gch1 expression in Cyclocybe aegerita (cagch1) was downregulated using the RNAi method, which resulted in growth retardation in both solid and liquid medium, with the hyphal tips exhibiting increased branching compared to that in the wild strain. The development of fruiting bodies in the mutant strains was significantly blocked, and there were short and bottle-shaped stipes. The transcriptional profile revealed that the genes of the MAPK pathway may be involved in the regulation of these effects caused by cagch1 knockdown, which provided an opportunity to study the role of gch1 in the development process of basidiomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Tao
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Bopu Cheng
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongmei Chai
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Xianghua Cui
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanhao Ma
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Jinping Yan
- Life Science and Technology College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yongchang Zhao
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Weimin Chen
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kunming, China.,Key Lab of Southwestern Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Kunming, China
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5
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Nascimento CP, Cipriano TM, Aragão FJ. Natural variation of folate content in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) germplasm and its correlation with the expression of the GTP cyclohydrolase I coding gene. J Food Compost Anal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2021.104357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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6
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Lian T, Wang X, Li S, Jiang H, Zhang C, Wang H, Jiang L. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Folate Accumulation in Maize Grains. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031708. [PMID: 35163628 PMCID: PMC8836222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, the complexity of folate accumulation in the early stages of maize kernel development has been reported, but the mechanisms of folate accumulation are unclear. Two maize inbred lines, DAN3130 and JI63, with different patterns of folate accumulation and different total folate contents in mature kernels were used to investigate the transcriptional regulation of folate metabolism during late stages of kernel formation by comparative transcriptome analysis. The folate accumulation during DAP 24 to mature kernels could be controlled by circumjacent pathways of folate biosynthesis, such as pyruvate metabolism, glutamate metabolism, and serine/glycine metabolism. In addition, the folate variation between these two inbred lines was related to those genes among folate metabolism, such as genes in the pteridine branch, para-aminobenzoate branch, serine/tetrahydrofolate (THF)/5-methyltetrahydrofolate cycle, and the conversion of THF monoglutamate to THF polyglutamate. The findings provided insight into folate accumulation mechanisms during maize kernel formation to promote folate biofortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lian
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (T.L.); (S.L.); (C.Z.)
- Plant Genetics, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Xuxia Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (X.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Sha Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (T.L.); (S.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (X.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (T.L.); (S.L.); (C.Z.)
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (T.L.); (S.L.); (C.Z.)
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (X.W.); (H.J.)
- National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu 610213, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (L.J.)
| | - Ling Jiang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (T.L.); (S.L.); (C.Z.)
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (L.J.)
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7
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Metabolomics Intervention Towards Better Understanding of Plant Traits. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020346. [PMID: 33562333 PMCID: PMC7915772 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of the most economically important plant and crop species are enriched with the availability of high-quality reference genome sequences forming the basis of gene discovery which control the important biochemical pathways. The transcriptomics and proteomics resources have also been made available for many of these plant species that intensify the understanding at expression levels. However, still we lack integrated studies spanning genomics–transcriptomics–proteomics, connected to metabolomics, the most complicated phase in phenotype expression. Nevertheless, for the past few decades, emphasis has been more on metabolome which plays a crucial role in defining the phenotype (trait) during crop improvement. The emergence of modern high throughput metabolome analyzing platforms have accelerated the discovery of a wide variety of biochemical types of metabolites and new pathways, also helped in improving the understanding of known existing pathways. Pinpointing the causal gene(s) and elucidation of metabolic pathways are very important for development of improved lines with high precision in crop breeding. Along with other-omics sciences, metabolomics studies have helped in characterization and annotation of a new gene(s) function. Hereby, we summarize several areas in the field of crop development where metabolomics studies have made its remarkable impact. We also assess the recent research on metabolomics, together with other omics, contributing toward genetic engineering to target traits and key pathway(s).
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8
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Shohag MJI, Wei Y, Zhang J, Feng Y, Rychlik M, He Z, Yang X. Genetic and physiological regulation of folate in pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) germplasm. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:4914-4929. [PMID: 32639001 PMCID: PMC7410185 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Folates are one of the essential micronutrients for all living organisms. Due to inadequate dietary intake, folate deficiency remains prevalent in humans. Genetically diverse germplasms can potentially be used as parents in breeding programs and also for understanding the folate regulatory network. Therefore, we investigated the natural genetic diversity of folates and their physiological regulation in pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) germplasm. The total folate concentration ranged from 52.7 μg 100 gFW-1 to 166.9 μg 100 gFW-1, with 3.2-fold variation. The main folate vitamer was represented by 5-CH3-H4folate, with 4.5-fold variation. The activities of GTP cyclohydrolase I and aminodeoxy chorismate synthase, the first step of folate synthesis, were high in high folate accessions and low in low folate accessions. Analysis of the transcription levels of 11 genes associated with folate metabolism demonstrated that the difference in folate concentrations may be primarily controlled at the post-transcriptional level. A general correlation between total folate and their precursors was observed. Folate diversity and chlorophyll content were tightly regulated through the methyl cycle. The diverse genetic variation in pak choi germplasm indicated the great genetic potential to integrate breeding programs for folate biofortification and unravel the physiological basis of folate homeostasis in planta.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J I Shohag
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Yanyan Wei
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cultivation Base of Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, Department of Horticulture, Foshan University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michael Rychlik
- Chair of Analytical Food Chemistry, Technische Universitat Munchen, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, Freising, Germany
| | - Zhenli He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Xiaoe Yang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Correspondence:
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Simkin AJ. Genetic Engineering for Global Food Security: Photosynthesis and Biofortification. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E586. [PMID: 31835394 PMCID: PMC6963231 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing demands for food and resources are challenging existing markets, driving a need to continually investigate and establish crop varieties with improved yields and health benefits. By the later part of the century, current estimates indicate that a >50% increase in the yield of most of the important food crops including wheat, rice and barley will be needed to maintain food supplies and improve nutritional quality to tackle what has become known as 'hidden hunger'. Improving the nutritional quality of crops has become a target for providing the micronutrients required in remote communities where dietary variation is often limited. A number of methods to achieve this have been investigated over recent years, from improving photosynthesis through genetic engineering, to breeding new higher yielding varieties. Recent research has shown that growing plants under elevated [CO2] can lead to an increase in Vitamin C due to changes in gene expression, demonstrating one potential route for plant biofortification. In this review, we discuss the current research being undertaken to improve photosynthesis and biofortify key crops to secure future food supplies and the potential links between improved photosynthesis and nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew John Simkin
- Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, NIAB EMR, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK
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10
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Liang Q, Wang K, Liu X, Riaz B, Jiang L, Wan X, Ye X, Zhang C. Improved folate accumulation in genetically modified maize and wheat. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:1539-1551. [PMID: 30753561 PMCID: PMC6411382 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ery453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Folates are indispensable co-factors for one-carbon metabolism in all organisms. In humans, suboptimal folate intake results in serious disorders. One promising strategy for improving human folate status is to enhance folate levels in food crops by metabolic engineering. In this study, we cloned two GmGCHI (GTP cyclohydrolase I) genes (Gm8gGCHI and Gm3gGCHI) and one GmADCS (aminodeoxychorismate synthase) gene from soybean, which are responsible for synthesizing the folate precursors pterin and p-aminobenzoate, respectively. We initially confirmed their functions in transgenic Arabidopsis plants and found that Gm8gGCHI increased pterin and folate production more than Gm3gGCHI did. We then co-expressed Gm8gGCHI and GmADCS driven by endosperm-specific promoters in maize and wheat, two major staple crops, to boost their folate metabolic flux. A 4.2-fold and 2.3-fold increase in folate levels were observed in transgenic maize and wheat grains, respectively. To optimize wheat folate enhancement, codon-optimized Gm8gGCHI and tomato LeADCS genes under the control of a wheat endosperm-specific glutenin promoter (1Dx5) were co-transformed. This yielded a 5.6-fold increase in folate in transgenic wheat grains (Gm8gGCHI+/LeADCS+). This two-gene co-expression strategy therefore has the potential to greatly enhance folate levels in maize and wheat, thus improving their nutritional value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Liang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bisma Riaz
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingguo Ye
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Strobbe S, Van Der Straeten D. Toward Eradication of B-Vitamin Deficiencies: Considerations for Crop Biofortification. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:443. [PMID: 29681913 PMCID: PMC5897740 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
'Hidden hunger' involves insufficient intake of micronutrients and is estimated to affect over two billion people on a global scale. Malnutrition of vitamins and minerals is known to cause an alarming number of casualties, even in the developed world. Many staple crops, although serving as the main dietary component for large population groups, deliver inadequate amounts of micronutrients. Biofortification, the augmentation of natural micronutrient levels in crop products through breeding or genetic engineering, is a pivotal tool in the fight against micronutrient malnutrition (MNM). Although these approaches have shown to be successful in several species, a more extensive knowledge of plant metabolism and function of these micronutrients is required to refine and improve biofortification strategies. This review focuses on the relevant B-vitamins (B1, B6, and B9). First, the role of these vitamins in plant physiology is elaborated, as well their biosynthesis. Second, the rationale behind vitamin biofortification is illustrated in view of pathophysiology and epidemiology of the deficiency. Furthermore, advances in biofortification, via metabolic engineering or breeding, are presented. Finally, considerations on B-vitamin multi-biofortified crops are raised, comprising the possible interplay of these vitamins in planta.
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12
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De Lepeleire J, Strobbe S, Verstraete J, Blancquaert D, Ambach L, Visser RGF, Stove C, Van Der Straeten D. Folate Biofortification of Potato by Tuber-Specific Expression of Four Folate Biosynthesis Genes. MOLECULAR PLANT 2018; 11:175-188. [PMID: 29277427 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient dietary intake of micronutrients, known as "hidden hunger", is a devastating global burden, affecting two billion people. Deficiency of folates (vitamin B9), which are known to play a central role in C1 metabolism, causes birth defects in at least a quarter million people annually. Biofortification to enhance the level of naturally occurring folates in crop plants, proves to be an efficient and cost-effective tool in fighting folate deficiency. Previously, introduction of folate biosynthesis genes GTPCHI and ADCS, proven to be a successful biofortification strategy in rice and tomato, turned out to be insufficient to adequately increase folate levels in potato tubers. Here, we provide a proof of concept that additional introduction of HPPK/DHPS and/or FPGS, downstream genes in mitochondrial folate biosynthesis, enables augmentation of folates to satisfactory levels (12-fold) and ensures folate stability upon long-term storage of tubers. In conclusion, this engineering strategy can serve as a model in the creation of folate-accumulating potato cultivars, readily applicable in potato-consuming populations suffering from folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Lepeleire
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Verstraete
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Blancquaert
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lars Ambach
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard G F Visser
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6700 Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christophe Stove
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6700 Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Vieira PM, Santos MP, Andrade CM, Souza-Neto OA, Ulhoa CJ, Aragão FJL. Overexpression of an aquaglyceroporin gene from Trichoderma harzianum improves water-use efficiency and drought tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2017; 121:38-47. [PMID: 29080426 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) and aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs) are integral membrane proteins that mediate the transport of water and solutes, such as glycerol and urea, across membranes. AQP and AQGP genes represent a valuable tool for biotechnological improvement of plant tolerance to environmental stresses. We previously isolated a gene encoding for an aquaglyceroporin (ThAQGP), which was up-regulated in Trichoderma harzianum during interaction with the plant pathogen Fusarium solani. This gene was introduced into Nicotiana tabacum and plants were physiologically characterized. Under favorable growth conditions, transgenic progenies did not had differences in both germination and growth rates when compared to wild type. However, physiological responses under drought stress revealed that transgenic plants presented significantly higher transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic efficiency and faster turgor recovery than wild type. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of ThAQGP transcripts in transgenic lines, showing the cause-effect relationship between the observed phenotype and the expression of the transgene. Our results underscore the high potential of T. harzianum as a source of genes with promising applications in transgenic plants tolerant to drought stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabline Marinho Vieira
- Instituto Federal Goiano, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, 75790-000, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Mirella Pupo Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Nupem, Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal, 27910-970, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cirano José Ulhoa
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Campus Samambaia, P.O. Box 131, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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14
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Liu F, Xiang N, Hu JG, Shijuan Y, Xie L, Brennan CS, Huang W, Guo X. The manipulation of gene expression and the biosynthesis of Vitamin C, E and folate in light-and dark-germination of sweet corn seeds. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7484. [PMID: 28790401 PMCID: PMC5548755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07774-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the potential interrelationship between gene expression and biosynthesis of vitamin C, E and folate in sweet corn sprouts. Germination of sweet corn kernels was conducted in light and dark environments to determine if this relationship was regulated by photo-illumination. Results indicated that light and dark environments affected the DHAR, TMT and GTPCH expression and that these genes were the predominant genes of vitamin C, E and folate biosynthesis pathways respectively during the germination. Levels of vitamin C and folate increased during the germination of sweet corn seeds while vitamin E had a declining manner. Sweet corn sprouts had higher vitamin C and E levels as well as relevant gene expression levels in light environment while illumination had little influence on the folate contents and the gene expression levels during the germination. These results indicate that there might be a collaborative relationship between vitamin C and folate regulation during sweet corn seed germination, while an inhibitive regulation might exist between vitamin C and E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Nan Xiang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Jian Guang Hu
- Crop Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China.,Key Laboratory of Crops Genetics Improvement of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yan Shijuan
- Agro-Biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Lihua Xie
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Charles Stephen Brennan
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Bioscience, Lincoln University, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Agro-Biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xinbo Guo
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.
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15
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Kumar R, Bohra A, Pandey AK, Pandey MK, Kumar A. Metabolomics for Plant Improvement: Status and Prospects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1302. [PMID: 28824660 PMCID: PMC5545584 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Post-genomics era has witnessed the development of cutting-edge technologies that have offered cost-efficient and high-throughput ways for molecular characterization of the function of a cell or organism. Large-scale metabolite profiling assays have allowed researchers to access the global data sets of metabolites and the corresponding metabolic pathways in an unprecedented way. Recent efforts in metabolomics have been directed to improve the quality along with a major focus on yield related traits. Importantly, an integration of metabolomics with other approaches such as quantitative genetics, transcriptomics and genetic modification has established its immense relevance to plant improvement. An effective combination of these modern approaches guides researchers to pinpoint the functional gene(s) and the characterization of massive metabolites, in order to prioritize the candidate genes for downstream analyses and ultimately, offering trait specific markers to improve commercially important traits. This in turn will improve the ability of a plant breeder by allowing him to make more informed decisions. Given this, the present review captures the significant leads gained in the past decade in the field of plant metabolomics accompanied by a brief discussion on the current contribution and the future scope of metabolomics to accelerate plant improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH)Hyderabad, India
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)Hyderabad, India
| | - Abhishek Bohra
- Crop Improvement Division, Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR)Kanpur, India
| | - Arun K. Pandey
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)Hyderabad, India
| | - Manish K. Pandey
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)Hyderabad, India
| | - Anirudh Kumar
- Department of Botany, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU)Amarkantak, India
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16
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Watanabe S, Ohtani Y, Tatsukami Y, Aoki W, Amemiya T, Sukekiyo Y, Kubokawa S, Ueda M. Folate Biofortification in Hydroponically Cultivated Spinach by the Addition of Phenylalanine. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:4605-4610. [PMID: 28548831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b01375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Folate is an important vitamin mainly ingested from vegetables, and folate deficiency causes various health problems. Recently, several studies demonstrated folate biofortification in plants or food crops by metabolic engineering through genetic modifications. However, the production and sales of genetically modified foods are under strict regulation. Here, we developed a new approach to achieve folate biofortification in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) without genetic modification. We hydroponically cultivated spinach with the addition of three candidate compounds expected to fortify folate. As a result of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we found that the addition of phenylalanine increased the folate content up to 2.0-fold (306 μg in 100 g of fresh spinach), representing 76.5% of the recommended daily allowance for adults. By measuring the intermediates of folate biosynthesis, we revealed that phenylalanine activated folate biosynthesis in spinach by increasing the levels of pteridine and p-aminobenzoic acid. Our approach is a promising and practical approach to cultivate nutrient-enriched vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Watanabe
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yuta Ohtani
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yohei Tatsukami
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Wataru Aoki
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Kyoto Integrated Science & Technology Bio-Analysis Center , Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813, Japan
| | - Takashi Amemiya
- Mitsubishi Plastic, Inc. , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8252, Japan
| | | | | | - Mitsuyoshi Ueda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University , Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Kyoto Integrated Science & Technology Bio-Analysis Center , Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813, Japan
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17
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Pandey DK, Kumar A, Rathore JS, Singh N, Chaudhary B. Recombinant overexpression of dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst potentially regulates folate-biofortification. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 57:517-524. [PMID: 28418068 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201600721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We aim to investigate the prospects of increased production of folate through the overexpression of heterologous dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst. The gene encoding aldolase catalyst was cloned into an expression vector and the induced recombinant protein was purified through metal-affinity chromatography which appeared at 14 kDa position on polyacrylamide-gel. Remarkably, a periodic increase in the extracellular and intracellular folic acid concentration was observed at 4 h growth of induced recombinant DHNA samples than control in a pH-dependent manner. Maximum folate concentration was observed with at least twofold increase in induced recombinant samples at pH8.0 compared to the significant decline at 6 h growth. Consistently, heterologous overexpression of bacterial aldolase through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of tobacco led to more than 2.5-fold increase in the folate concentration in the transgenic leaves than control tissues. These data are veritable inspecting metabolic flux in both bacterial and plant systems, thus providing directions for future research on folate agri-fortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay K Pandey
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Atul Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Jitendra S Rathore
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Nagendra Singh
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Bhupendra Chaudhary
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
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18
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Strobbe S, Van Der Straeten D. Folate biofortification in food crops. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 44:202-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Gorelova V, Ambach L, Rébeillé F, Stove C, Van Der Straeten D. Folates in Plants: Research Advances and Progress in Crop Biofortification. Front Chem 2017; 5:21. [PMID: 28424769 PMCID: PMC5372827 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Folates, also known as B9 vitamins, serve as donors and acceptors in one-carbon (C1) transfer reactions. The latter are involved in synthesis of many important biomolecules, such as amino acids, nucleic acids and vitamin B5. Folates also play a central role in the methyl cycle that provides one-carbon groups for methylation reactions. The important functions fulfilled by folates make them essential in all living organisms. Plants, being able to synthesize folates de novo, serve as an excellent dietary source of folates for animals that lack the respective biosynthetic pathway. Unfortunately, the most important staple crops such as rice, potato and maize are rather poor sources of folates. Insufficient folate consumption is known to cause severe developmental disorders in humans. Two approaches are employed to fight folate deficiency: pharmacological supplementation in the form of folate pills and biofortification of staple crops. As the former approach is considered rather costly for the major part of the world population, biofortification of staple crops is viewed as a decent alternative in the struggle against folate deficiency. Therefore, strategies, challenges and recent progress of folate enhancement in plants will be addressed in this review. Apart from the ever-growing need for the enhancement of nutritional quality of crops, the world population faces climate change catastrophes or environmental stresses, such as elevated temperatures, drought, salinity that severely affect growth and productivity of crops. Due to immense diversity of their biochemical functions, folates take part in virtually every aspect of plant physiology. Any disturbance to the plant folate metabolism leads to severe growth inhibition and, as a consequence, to a lower productivity. Whereas today's knowledge of folate biochemistry can be considered very profound, evidence on the physiological roles of folates in plants only starts to emerge. In the current review we will discuss the implication of folates in various aspects of plant physiology and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Gorelova
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Lars Ambach
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Rébeillé
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale, Bioscience and Biotechnologies Institute of Grenoble, CEA-GrenobleGrenoble, France
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
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20
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Jiang L, Wang W, Lian T, Zhang C. Manipulation of Metabolic Pathways to Develop Vitamin-Enriched Crops for Human Health. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:937. [PMID: 28634484 PMCID: PMC5460589 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin deficiencies are major forms of micronutrient deficiencies, and are associated with huge economic losses as well as severe physical and intellectual damages to humans. Much evidence has demonstrated that biofortification plays an important role in combating vitamin deficiencies due to its economical and effective delivery of nutrients to populations in need. Biofortification enables food plants to be enriched with vitamins through conventional breeding and/or biotechnology. Here, we focus on the progress in the manipulation of the vitamin metabolism, an essential part of biofortification, by the genetic modification or by the marker-assisted selection to understand mechanisms underlying metabolic improvement in food plants. We also propose to integrate new breeding technologies with metabolic pathway modification to facilitate biofortification in food plants and, thereby, to benefit human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Jiang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementBeijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Jiang, Chunyi Zhang,
| | - Weixuan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementBeijing, China
| | - Tong Lian
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementBeijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Jiang, Chunyi Zhang,
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21
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Blancquaert D, De Steur H, Gellynck X, Van Der Straeten D. Metabolic engineering of micronutrients in crop plants. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1390:59-73. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Blancquaert
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Physiology; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Hans De Steur
- Division Agri-Food Marketing & Chain Management, Department of Agricultural Economics; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Xavier Gellynck
- Division Agri-Food Marketing & Chain Management, Department of Agricultural Economics; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
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22
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Ramírez Rivera NG, García-Salinas C, Aragão FJL, Díaz de la Garza RI. Metabolic engineering of folate and its precursors in Mexican common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:2021-32. [PMID: 26997331 PMCID: PMC5043471 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency causes several health problems globally. However, folate biofortification of major staple crops is one alternative that can be used to improve vitamin intakes in populations at risk. We increased the folate levels in common bean by engineering the pteridine branch required for their biosynthesis. GTP cyclohydrolase I from Arabidopsis (AtGchI) was stably introduced into three common bean Pinto cultivars by particle bombardment. Seed-specific overexpression of AtGCHI caused significant increases of up to 150-fold in biosynthetic pteridines in the transformed lines. The pteridine boost enhanced folate levels in raw desiccated seeds by up to threefold (325 μg in a 100 g portion), which would represent 81% of the adult recommended daily allowance. Unexpectedly, the engineering also triggered a general increase in PABA levels, the other folate precursor. This was not observed in previous engineering studies and was probably caused by a feedforward mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Results from this work also show that common bean grains accumulate considerable amounts of oxidized pteridines that might represent products of folate degradation in desiccating seeds. Our study uncovers a probable different regulation of folate homoeostasis in these legume grains than that observed in other engineering works. Legumes are good sources of folates, and this work shows that they can be engineered to accumulate even greater amounts of folate that, when consumed, can improve folate status. Biofortification of common bean with folates and other micronutrients represents a promising strategy to improve the nutritional status of populations around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naty G Ramírez Rivera
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
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Saini RK, Nile SH, Keum YS. Folates: Chemistry, analysis, occurrence, biofortification and bioavailability. Food Res Int 2016; 89:1-13. [PMID: 28460896 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Folates (Vitamin B9) include both naturally occurring folates and synthetic folic acid used in fortified foods and dietary supplements. Folate deficiency causes severe abnormalities in one-carbon metabolism can result chronic diseases and developmental disorders, including neural tube defects. Mammalian cells cannot synthesize folates de novo; therefore, diet and dietary supplements are the only way to attain daily folate requirements. In the last decade, significant advancements have been made to enhance the folate content of rice, tomato, common bean and lettuce by using genetic engineering approaches. Strategies have been developed to improve the stability of folate pool in plants. Folate deglutamylation through food processing and thermal treatment has the potential to enhance the bioavailability of folate. This review highlights the recent developments in biosynthesis, composition, bioavailability, enhanced production by elicitation and metabolic engineering, and methods of analysis of folate in food. Additionally, future perspectives in this context are identified. Detailed knowledge of folate biosynthesis, degradation and salvage are the prime requirements to efficiently engineer the plants for the enhancement of overall folate content. Similarly, consumption of a folate-rich diet with enhanced bioavailability is the best way to maintain optimum folate levels in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shivraj Hariram Nile
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Keum
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
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Alós E, Rodrigo MJ, Zacarias L. Manipulation of Carotenoid Content in Plants to Improve Human Health. Subcell Biochem 2016; 79:311-43. [PMID: 27485228 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-39126-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are essential components for human nutrition and health, mainly due to their antioxidant and pro-vitamin A activity. Foods with enhanced carotenoid content and composition are essential to ensure carotenoid feasibility in malnourished population of many countries around the world, which is critical to alleviate vitamin A deficiency and other health-related disorders. The pathway of carotenoid biosynthesis is currently well understood, key steps of the pathways in different plant species have been characterized and the corresponding genes identified, as well as other regulatory elements. This enables the manipulation and improvement of carotenoid content and composition in order to control the nutritional value of a number of agronomical important staple crops. Biotechnological and genetic engineering-based strategies to manipulate carotenoid metabolism have been successfully implemented in many crops, with Golden rice as the most relevant example of β-carotene improvement in one of the more widely consumed foods. Conventional breeding strategies have been also adopted in the bio-fortification of carotenoid in staple foods that are highly consumed in developing countries, including maize, cassava and sweet potatoes, to alleviate nutrition-related problems. The objective of the chapter is to summarize major breakthroughs and advances in the enhancement of carotenoid content and composition in agronomical and nutritional important crops, with special emphasis to their potential impact and benefits in human nutrition and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enriqueta Alós
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Agustín Escardino 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Jesús Rodrigo
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Agustín Escardino 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Zacarias
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Agustín Escardino 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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Dong W, Cheng ZJ, Lei CL, Wang XL, Wang JL, Wang J, Wu FQ, Zhang X, Guo XP, Zhai HQ, Wan JM. Overexpression of folate biosynthesis genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and evaluation of their impact on seed folate content. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 69:379-85. [PMID: 25432789 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-014-0450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency is a global health problem especially in developing countries where the major staple foods such as rice contain extremely low folates. Biofortification of rice could be an alternative complement way to fight folate deficiency. In this study, we evaluated the availability of the genes in each step of folate biosynthesis pathway for rice folate enhancement in the japonica variety kitaake genetic background. The first enzymes GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCHI) and aminodeoxychorismate synthase (ADCS) in the pterin and para-aminobenzoate branches resulted in significant increase in seed folate content, respectively (P < 0.01). Overexpression of two closely related enzymes dihydrofolate synthase (DHFS) and folypolyglutamate synthase (FPGS), which perform the first and further additions of glutamates, produced slightly increase in seed folate content separately. The GTPCHI transgene was combined with each of the other transgenes except ADCS to investigate the effects of gene stacking on seed folate accumulation. Seed folate contents in the gene-stacked plants were higher than the individual low-folate transgenic parents, but lower than the high-folate GTPCHI transgenic lines, pointing to an inadequate supply of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) precursor initiated by ADCS in constraining folate overproduction in gene-stacked plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100081, China
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Blancquaert D, De Steur H, Gellynck X, Van Der Straeten D. Present and future of folate biofortification of crop plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2014; 65:895-906. [PMID: 24574483 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Improving nutritional health is one of the major socio-economic challenges of the 21st century, especially with the continuously growing and ageing world population. Folate deficiency is an important and underestimated problem of micronutrient malnutrition affecting billions of people worldwide. More and more countries are adapting policies to fight folate deficiency, mostly by fortifying foods with folic acid. However, there is growing concern about this practice, calling for alternative or complementary strategies. In addition, fortification programmes are often inaccessible to remote and poor populations where folate deficiency is most prevalent. Enhancing folate content in staple crops by metabolic engineering is a promising, cost-effective strategy to eradicate folate malnutrition worldwide. Over the last decade, major progress has been made in this field. Nevertheless, engineering strategies have thus far been implemented on a handful of plant species only and need to be transferred to highly consumed staple crops to maximally reach target populations. Moreover, successful engineering strategies appear to be species-dependent, hence the need to adapt them in order to biofortify different staple crops with folate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Blancquaert
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Physiology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Farré G, Blancquaert D, Capell T, Van Der Straeten D, Christou P, Zhu C. Engineering complex metabolic pathways in plants. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 65:187-223. [PMID: 24579989 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050213-035825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering can be used to modulate endogenous metabolic pathways in plants or introduce new metabolic capabilities in order to increase the production of a desirable compound or reduce the accumulation of an undesirable one. In practice, there are several major challenges that need to be overcome, such as gaining enough knowledge about the endogenous pathways to understand the best intervention points, identifying and sourcing the most suitable metabolic genes, expressing those genes in such a way as to produce a functional enzyme in a heterologous background, and, finally, achieving the accumulation of target compounds without harming the host plant. This article discusses the strategies that have been developed to engineer complex metabolic pathways in plants, focusing on recent technological developments that allow the most significant bottlenecks to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Farré
- Departament de Producció Vegetal i Ciència Forestal, Universitat de Lleida, Agrotecnio Center, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
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A question of balance: achieving appropriate nutrient levels in biofortified staple crops. Nutr Res Rev 2013; 26:235-45. [PMID: 24134863 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422413000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The biofortification of staple crops with vitamins is an attractive strategy to increase the nutritional quality of human food, particularly in areas where the population subsists on a cereal-based diet. Unlike other approaches, biofortification is sustainable and does not require anything more than a standard food-distribution infrastructure. The health-promoting effects of vitamins depend on overall intake and bioavailability, the latter influenced by food processing, absorption efficiency and the utilisation or retention of the vitamin in the body. The bioavailability of vitamins in nutritionally enriched foods should ideally be adjusted to achieve the dietary reference intake in a reasonable portion. Current vitamin biofortification programmes focus on the fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and the water-soluble vitamins C and B9 (folate), but the control of dosage and bioavailability has been largely overlooked. In the present review, we discuss the vitamin content of nutritionally enhanced foods developed by conventional breeding and genetic engineering, focusing on dosage and bioavailability. Although the biofortification of staple crops could potentially address micronutrient deficiency on a global scale, further research is required to develop effective strategies that match the bioavailability of vitamins to the requirements of the human diet.
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Blancquaert D, Storozhenko S, Van Daele J, Stove C, Visser RGF, Lambert W, Van Der Straeten D. Enhancing pterin and para-aminobenzoate content is not sufficient to successfully biofortify potato tubers and Arabidopsis thaliana plants with folate. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2013; 64:3899-909. [PMID: 23956417 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Folates are important cofactors in one-carbon metabolism in all living organisms. Since only plants and micro- organisms are capable of biosynthesizing folates, humans depend entirely on their diet as a folate source. Given the low folate content of several staple crop products, folate deficiency affects regions all over the world. Folate biofortification of staple crops through enhancement of pterin and para-aminobenzoate levels, precursors of the folate biosynthesis pathway, was reported to be successful in tomato and rice. This study shows that the same strategy is not sufficient to enhance folate content in potato tubers and Arabidopsis thaliana plants and concludes that other steps in folate biosynthesis and/or metabolism need to be engineered to result in substantial folate accumulation. The findings provide a plausible explanation why, more than half a decade after the proof of concept in rice and tomato, successful folate biofortification of other food crops through enhancement of para-aminobenzoate and pterin content has not been reported thus far. A better understanding of the folate pathway is required in order to determine an engineering strategy that can be generalized to most staple crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Blancquaert
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Physiology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Morandini P. Control limits for accumulation of plant metabolites: brute force is no substitute for understanding. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2013; 11:253-267. [PMID: 23301840 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Which factors limit metabolite accumulation in plant cells? Are theories on flux control effective at explaining the results? Many biotechnologists cling to the idea that every pathway has a rate limiting enzyme and target such enzymes first in order to modulate fluxes. This often translates into large effects on metabolite concentration, but disappointing small increases in flux. Rate limiting enzymes do exist, but are rare and quite opposite to what predicted by biochemistry. In many cases however, flux control is shared among many enzymes. Flux control and concentration control can (and must) be distinguished and quantified for effective manipulation. Flux control for several 'building blocks' of metabolism is placed on the demand side, and therefore increasing demand can be very successful. Tampering with supply, particularly desensitizing supply enzymes, is usually not very effective, if not dangerous, because supply regulatory mechanisms function to control metabolite homeostasis. Some important, but usually unnoticed, metabolic constraints shape the responses of metabolic systems to manipulation: mass conservation, cellular resource allocation and, most prominently, energy supply, particularly in heterotrophic tissues. The theoretical basis for this view shall be explored with recent examples gathered from the manipulation of several metabolites (vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, fructans and sugar alcohols). Some guiding principles are suggested for an even more successful engineering of plant metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Morandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan and CNR Institute of Biophysics, Milan, Italy.
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Navarrete O, Van Daele J, Stove C, Lambert W, Van Der Straeten D, Storozhenko S. A folate independent role for cytosolic HPPK/DHPS upon stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2012; 73:23-33. [PMID: 21996493 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 09/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytosolic HPPK/DHPS (cytHPPK/DHPS) in Arabidopsis is a functional enzyme with activity similar to its mitochondrial isoform. Genomic complementation of the cytHPPK/DHPS knockout mutant with the wild type gene led to a complete rescue of the stress sensitive mutant phenotype in seed germination tests under abiotic stress conditions. Moreover, over-expression of the gene resulted in higher germination rate under stress as compared to the wild-type, confirming its role in stress resistance. Analysis of folates in seedlings, inflorescence and dry seeds showed unchanged levels in the wild-type, mutant and over-expressor line, upon stress and normal conditions, suggesting a role for cytHPPK/DHPS distinct from folate biosynthesis and a folate-independent stress resistance mechanism. This apparently folate-independent mechanism of stress resistance points towards a possible role of pterins, since the product of HPPK/DHPS is dihydropteroate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Navarrete
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Physiology, Ghent University, KL Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Shohag MJI, Wei YY, Yu N, Zhang J, Wang K, Patring J, He ZL, Yang XE. Natural variation of folate content and composition in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) germplasm. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2011; 59:12520-6. [PMID: 22004472 DOI: 10.1021/jf203442h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Breeding to increase folate levels in edible parts of plants, termed folate biofortification, is an economical approach to fight against folate deficiency in humans, especially in the developing world. Germplasm with elevated folates are a useful genetic source for both breeding and direct use. Spinach is one of the well-know vegetables that contains a relatively high amount of folate. Currently, little is known about how much folate, and their composition varies in different spinach accessions. The aim of this study was to investigate natural variation in the folate content and composition of spinach genotypes grown under controlled environmental conditions. The folate content and composition in 67 spinach accessions were collected from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) germplasm collections according to their origin, grown under control conditions to screen for natural diversity. Folates were extracted by a monoenzyme treatment and analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography (LC) method. The total folate content ranged from 54.1 to 173.2 μg/100 g of fresh weight, with 3.2-fold variation, and was accession-dependent. Four spinach accessions (PI 499372, NSL 6095, PI 261787, and TOT7337-B) have been identified as enriched folate content over 150 μg/100 g of fresh weight. The folate forms found were H(4)-folate, 5-CH(3)-H(4)-folate, and 5-HCO-H(4)-folate, and 10-CHO-folic acid also varied among different accessions and was responsible for variation in the total folate content. The major folate vitamer was represented by 5-CH(3)-H(4)-folate, which on average accounted for up to 52% of the total folate pool. The large variation in the total folate content and composition in diverse spinach accessions demonstrates the great genetic potential of diverse genotypes to be exploited by plant breeders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J I Shohag
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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Hanson AD, Gregory JF. Folate biosynthesis, turnover, and transport in plants. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2011; 62:105-25. [PMID: 21275646 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042110-103819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Folates are essential cofactors for one-carbon transfer reactions and are needed in the diets of humans and animals. Because plants are major sources of dietary folate, plant folate biochemistry has long been of interest but progressed slowly until the genome era. Since then, genome-enabled approaches have brought rapid advances: We now know (a) all the plant folate synthesis genes and some genes of folate turnover and transport, (b) certain mechanisms governing folate synthesis, and (c) the subcellular locations of folate synthesis enzymes and of folates themselves. Some of this knowledge has been applied, simply and successfully, to engineer folate-enriched food crops (i.e., biofortification). Much remains to be discovered about folates, however, particularly in relation to homeostasis, catabolism, membrane transport, and vacuolar storage. Understanding these processes, which will require both biochemical and -omics research, should lead to improved biofortification strategies based on transgenic or conventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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Farre G, Twyman RM, Zhu C, Capell T, Christou P. Nutritionally enhanced crops and food security: scientific achievements versus political expediency. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010; 22:245-51. [PMID: 21123044 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic engineering (GE) is one of a raft of strategies that can be used to tackle malnutrition. Recent scientific advances have shown that multiple deficiencies can be tackled simultaneously using engineered plant varieties containing high levels of different minerals and organic nutrients. However, the impact of this progress is being diluted by the unwillingness of politicians to see beyond immediate popular support, favoring political expediency over controversial but potentially life-saving decisions based on rational scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Farre
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, ETSEA, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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Araya-Quesada M, Mezzetti B, Tzotzos G. Food safety considerations for the assessment of a genetically modified tomato fortified for folate production. MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12349-009-0071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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36
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Genetic engineering to enhance crop-based phytonutrients (nutraceuticals) to alleviate diet-related diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 698:122-43. [PMID: 21520708 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7347-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition studies have provided unambiguous evidence that a number of human health maladies including chronic coronary artery, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer and age- and lifestyle-related diseases are associated with the diet. Several favorable and a few deleterious natural dietary ingredients have been identified that predispose human populations to various genetic and epigenetic based disorders. Media dissemination of this information has greatly raised public awareness of the beneficial effects due to increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals-foods rich in phytonutrients, protein and fiber. However, the presence of intrinsically low levels of the beneficial phytonutrients in the available genotypes of crop plants is not always at par with the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for different phytonutrients (nutraceuticals). Molecular engineering of crop plants has offered a number of tools to markedly enhance intracellular concentrations of some of the beneficial nutrients, levels that, in some cases, are closer to the RDA threshold. This review brings together literature on various strategies utilized for bioengineering both major and minor crops to increase the levels of desirable phytonutrients while also decreasing the concentrations of deleterious metabolites. Some of these include increases in: protein level in potato; lysine in corn and rice; methionine in alfalfa; carotenoids (beta-carotene, phytoene, lycopene, zeaxanthin and lutein) in rice, potato, canola, tomato; choline in tomato; folates in rice, corn, tomato and lettuce; vitamin C in corn and lettuce; polyphenolics such as flavonol, isoflavone, resveratrol, chlorogenic acid and other flavonoids in tomato; anthocyanin levels in tomato and potato; alpha-tocopherol in soybean, oil seed, lettuce and potato; iron and zinc in transgenic rice. Also, molecular engineering has succeeded in considerably reducing the levels of the offending protein glutelin in rice, offering proof of concept and a new beginning for the development of super-low glutelin cereals for celiac disease patients.
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Sharma AK, Sharma MK. Plants as bioreactors: Recent developments and emerging opportunities. Biotechnol Adv 2009; 27:811-832. [PMID: 19576278 PMCID: PMC7125752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the use of plants as bioreactors has emerged as an exciting area of research and significant advances have created new opportunities. The driving forces behind the rapid growth of plant bioreactors include low production cost, product safety and easy scale up. As the yield and concentration of a product is crucial for commercial viability, several strategies have been developed to boost up protein expression in transgenic plants. Augmenting tissue-specific transcription, elevating transcript stability, tissue-specific targeting, translation optimization and sub-cellular accumulation are some of the strategies employed. Various kinds of products that are currently being produced in plants include vaccine antigens, medical diagnostics proteins, industrial and pharmaceutical proteins, nutritional supplements like minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and biopolymers. A large number of plant-derived recombinant proteins have reached advanced clinical trials. A few of these products have already been introduced in the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
| | - Manoj K Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
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