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Umar AW, Ahmad N, Xu M. Reviving Natural Rubber Synthesis via Native/Large Nanodiscs. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1468. [PMID: 38891415 PMCID: PMC11174458 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is utilized in more than 40,000 products, and the demand for NR is projected to reach $68.5 billion by 2026. The primary commercial source of NR is the latex of Hevea brasiliensis. NR is produced by the sequential cis-condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) through a complex known as the rubber transferase (RTase) complex. This complex is associated with rubber particles, specialized organelles for NR synthesis. Despite numerous attempts to isolate, characterize, and study the RTase complex, definitive results have not yet been achieved. This review proposes an innovative approach to overcome this longstanding challenge. The suggested method involves isolating the RTase complex without using detergents, instead utilizing the native membrane lipids, referred to as "natural nanodiscs", and subsequently reconstituting the complex on liposomes. Additionally, we recommend the adaptation of large nanodiscs for the incorporation and reconstitution of the RTase complex, whether it is in vitro transcribed or present within the natural nanodiscs. These techniques show promise as a viable solution to the current obstacles. Based on our experimental experience and insights from published literature, we believe these refined methodologies can significantly enhance our understanding of the RTase complex and its role in in vitro NR synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wakeel Umar
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNUZ), Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Naveed Ahmad
- Joint Center for Single Cell Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Ming Xu
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNUZ), Zhuhai 519087, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Carbon Neutrality, Jiangmen Laboratory of Carbon Science and Technology, Jiangmen 529199, China
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Das S, Kwon M, Kim JY. Enhancement of specialized metabolites using CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology in medicinal plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1279738. [PMID: 38450402 PMCID: PMC10915232 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1279738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plants are the richest source of specialized metabolites. The specialized metabolites offer a variety of physiological benefits and many adaptive evolutionary advantages and frequently linked to plant defense mechanisms. Medicinal plants are a vital source of nutrition and active pharmaceutical agents. The production of valuable specialized metabolites and bioactive compounds has increased with the improvement of transgenic techniques like gene silencing and gene overexpression. These techniques are beneficial for decreasing production costs and increasing nutritional value. Utilizing biotechnological applications to enhance specialized metabolites in medicinal plants needs characterization and identification of genes within an elucidated pathway. The breakthrough and advancement of CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in improving the production of specific metabolites in medicinal plants have gained significant importance in contemporary times. This article imparts a comprehensive recapitulation of the latest advancements made in the implementation of CRISPR-gene editing techniques for the purpose of augmenting specific metabolites in medicinal plants. We also provide further insights and perspectives for improving metabolic engineering scenarios in medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Das
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonhyuk Kwon
- Division of Life Science, Anti-aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center (ABC-RLRC), Research Institute of Molecular Alchemy (RIMA), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
- Nulla Bio R&D Center, Nulla Bio Inc., Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Hu B, Yang N, Zhou Z, Shi X, Qin Y, Fang Y, Long X. Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of rubber biosynthesis and laticifer differentiation during rubber seed germination. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1337451. [PMID: 38328702 PMCID: PMC10847244 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1337451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of natural rubber synthesis and laticifer differentiation have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a time-series transcriptome analysis of five rubber tree tissues at four stages of seed germination. A total of 161,199 DEGs were identified between the two groups, including most 16,673 DEGs (A3 vs B3 and A3 vs C3) and lest 1,210 DEGs (C2 vs D2). We found that the maturation of the seed is accompanied by the formation of laticifer cells in cotyledon. Meanwhile, the analysis of hormones related genes expression may provide effective clues for us to promote the differentiation of laticifer cells in seeds by hormones in the future. In this study, hormone-related gene enrichment analyses revealed that IAA, GA, and CTK were activated in laticifer containing tissues. Similarly, GO and GEGG analysis showed that hormone pathways, especially the auxin pathway, are enriched. Gene expression clustering was analyzed using the short time-series expression miner (STEM), and the analysis revealed four distinct trends in the gene expression profiles. Moreover, we enriched transcription factor (TF) enrichment in cotyledon and embryonic axis tissues, and the MYB type exhibited the most significant difference. Furthermore, our findings revealed that genes related to rubber synthesis exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns during seed germination. Notably, key genes associated with rubber biosynthesis, specifically small rubber particle protein (SRPP) and cis-prenyltransferase (CPT), exhibited significant changes in expression in cotyledon and embryonic axis tissues, suggesting synchronous rubber synthesis with seed germination. Our staining results reveled that laticifer cells were exits in the cotyledon before seed imbibition stage. In conclusion, these results lay the foundation for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying laticifer differentiation and rubber synthesis during seed germination, deepening our understanding of the initiation stages of rubber biosynthesis and laticifer differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Cultivation and Physiology for Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Cultivation and Physiology for Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Zaihui Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyu Shi
- Danxin College, Hainan University, Danzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Qin
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Cultivation and Physiology for Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjun Fang
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Cultivation and Physiology for Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Xiangyu Long
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Cultivation and Physiology for Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Hodgins CL, Salama EM, Kumar R, Zhao Y, Roth SA, Cheung IZ, Chen J, Arganosa GC, Warkentin TD, Bhowmik P, Ham B, Ro D. Creating saponin-free yellow pea seeds by CRISPR/Cas9-enabled mutagenesis on β-amyrin synthase. PLANT DIRECT 2024; 8:e563. [PMID: 38222934 PMCID: PMC10784647 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Dry pea (Pisum sativum) seeds are valuable sources of plant protein, dietary fiber, and starch, but their uses in food products are restricted to some extent due to several off-flavor compounds. Saponins are glycosylated triterpenoids and are a major source of bitter, astringent, and metallic off-flavors in pea products. β-amyrin synthase (BAS) is the entry point enzyme for saponin biosynthesis in pea and therefore is an ideal target for knock-out using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to produce saponin deficient pea varieties. Here, in an elite yellow pea cultivar (CDC Inca), LC/MS analysis identified embryo tissue, not seed coat, as the main location of saponin storage in pea seeds. Differential expression analysis determined that PsBAS1 was preferentially expressed in embryo tissue relative to seed coat and was selected for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of PsBAS1 was systematically optimized in pea hairy roots. From these optimization procedures, the AtU6-26 promoter was found to be superior to the CaMV35S promoter for gRNA expression, and the use of 37°C was determined to increase the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. These promoter and culture conditions were then applied to stable transformations. As a result, a bi-allelic mutation (deletion and inversion mutations) was generated in the PsBAS1 coding sequence in a T1 plant, and the segregated psbas1 plants from the T2 population showed a 99.8% reduction of saponins in their seeds. Interestingly, a small but statistically significant increase (~12%) in protein content with a slight decrease (~5%) in starch content was observed in the psbas1 mutants under phytotron growth conditions. This work demonstrated that flavor-improved traits can be readily introduced in any pea cultivar of interest using CRISPR/Cas9. Further field trials and sensory tests for improved flavor are necessary to assess the practical implications of the saponin-free pea seeds in food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor L. Hodgins
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Eman M. Salama
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Yang Zhao
- Global Institute for Food SecurityUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Susan A. Roth
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Irene Z. Cheung
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Jieyu Chen
- Global Institute for Food SecurityUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Gene C. Arganosa
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Thomas D. Warkentin
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Pankaj Bhowmik
- Aquatic and Crop Resource DevelopmentNational Research Council of CanadaSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Byung‐Kook Ham
- Global Institute for Food SecurityUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
- Department of BiologyUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Dae‐Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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Merchán-Gaitán JB, Mendes JHL, Nunes LEC, Buss DS, Rodrigues SP, Fernandes PMB. The Role of Plant Latex in Virus Biology. Viruses 2023; 16:47. [PMID: 38257746 PMCID: PMC10819414 DOI: 10.3390/v16010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 20,000 plant species produce latex, a capacity that appears to have evolved independently on numerous occasions. With a few exceptions, latex is stored under pressure in specialized cells known as laticifers and is exuded upon injury, leading to the assumption that it has a role in securing the plant after mechanical injury. In addition, a defensive effect against insect herbivores and fungal infections has been well established. Latex also appears to have effects on viruses, and laticifers are a hostile environment for virus colonization. Only one example of successful colonization has been reported: papaya meleira virus (PMeV) and papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2) in Carica papaya. In this review, a summary of studies that support both the pro- and anti-viral effects of plant latex compounds is provided. The latex components represent a promising natural source for the discovery of new pro- and anti-viral molecules in the fields of agriculture and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João H. L. Mendes
- Multidisciplinary Core for Research in Biology, Campus Duque de Caxias, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias 25240-005, RJ, Brazil; (J.H.L.M.); (L.E.C.N.)
| | - Lucas E. C. Nunes
- Multidisciplinary Core for Research in Biology, Campus Duque de Caxias, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias 25240-005, RJ, Brazil; (J.H.L.M.); (L.E.C.N.)
| | - David S. Buss
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle ST5 5BG, UK;
| | - Silas P. Rodrigues
- Multidisciplinary Core for Research in Biology, Campus Duque de Caxias, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias 25240-005, RJ, Brazil; (J.H.L.M.); (L.E.C.N.)
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Tan Y, Cao J, Tang C, Liu K. Advances in Genome Sequencing and Natural Rubber Biosynthesis in Rubber-Producing Plants. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9342-9353. [PMID: 38132431 PMCID: PMC10741621 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene, NR) is an important raw material utilized widely in the manufacturing of medical, agricultural, and industrial products. Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and several alternative rubber-producing plants (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, Lactuca sativa, and Parthenium argentatum) have the capability to produce high-quality NR. With the progress of genome sequencing, similar rubber biosynthesis pathways have been discovered among different rubber-producing plant species. NR is synthesized and stored in rubber particles, which are specialized organelles comprising a hydrophobic NR core surrounded by a lipid monolayer and membrane-bound proteins. The rubber transferase complex is considered to be the pivotal enzyme involved in catalyzing NR biosynthesis. However, the exact compositions of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants remain elusive and poorly understood. Here, we review the progress of genome sequencing, natural rubber biosynthesis, and the components of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants. We emphasize that identifying the detailed components of the RT complex holds great significance for exploring the mechanism of NR biosynthesis and accelerating molecular breeding in rubber-producing plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Tan
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jie Cao
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chaorong Tang
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops, Xishuangbanna 666100, China
| | - Kaiye Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Bhowmik P, Yan W, Hodgins C, Polley B, Warkentin T, Nickerson M, Ro DK, Marsolais F, Domoney C, Shariati-Ievari S, Aliani M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated lipoxygenase gene-editing in yellow pea leads to major changes in fatty acid and flavor profiles. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1246905. [PMID: 37810390 PMCID: PMC10552856 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1246905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Although pulses are nutritious foods containing high amounts of protein, fiber and phytochemicals, their consumption and use in the food industry have been limited due to the formation of unappealing flavors/aromas described as beany, green, and grassy. Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes are prevalent among pulse seeds, and their activity can lead to the formation of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). As a widespread issue in legumes, including soybean, these VOCs have been linked to certain unappealing taste perception of foods containing processed pulse seeds. Methods To address this problem in pea and as proof of principle to promote the wider use of pulses, a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) construct was designed to create null alleles (knockouts) of PsLOX2 which had been implicated in the generation of VOCs in peas. Results and discussion Successful CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LOX gene editing of stable transgenic pea lines (TGP) was confirmed by DNA sequencing of the wild type (WT) and TGP pslox2 mutant lines. These lines were also assessed for LOX activity, PUFA levels, and VOCs. Compared to WT peas, the TGP lines showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in LOX activity and in the concentration of key VOCs, including hexanal, 2-hexenal, heptanal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-octen-3-ol, octanal, (E)-2-octenal (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal and furan-2-pentyl. The content of two essential PUFAs, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, the known substrates of LOX in plants, was higher in TGP flours, indicating the efficacy of the CRISPR-mediated gene editing in minimizing their oxidation and the further modification of PUFAs and their products. The collection of VOCs from the headspace of ground pea seeds, using a portable eNose also distinguished the TGP and WT lines. Multiple regression analysis showed that LOX activity correlated with the two VOCs, heptanal and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal in pea flours. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS-R) plot for selected PUFAs, VOCs, and sensor responses in WT and TGP lines showed distinct clusters for WT and TGP lines. Together this data demonstrates the utility of CRISPR mediated mutagenesis of PsLOX2 to quickly improve aroma and fatty acid (FA) profiles of pea seeds of an elite Canadian variety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Bhowmik
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Centre, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Wei Yan
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Centre, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Connor Hodgins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brittany Polley
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Centre, National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Tom Warkentin
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael Nickerson
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Frédéric Marsolais
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Domoney
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Shiva Shariati-Ievari
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DND), St Boniface Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michel Aliani
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DND), St Boniface Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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