Article
Plant Sciences
Erstelle A. Pasion, Gopal Misra, Ajay Kohli, Nese Sreenivasulu
Summary: A comprehensive study was conducted to explore the genetic architecture of the brown rice ionome, revealing candidate genes and molecular mechanisms underlying micronutrient signatures. Functional pathways were identified using gene regulatory networks, providing important insights on ionome variations in rice and the genome-ionome relationships.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guihua Lv, Xiaolong Chen, Duo Ying, Jiansheng Li, Yinghu Fan, Bin Wang, Ruiqiu Fang
Summary: Multi-biofortified sweet corn hybrids rich in multiple micronutrients were efficiently bred through marker-assisted selection and genetic diversity analysis.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Avnee, Sonia Sood, Desh Raj Chaudhary, Pooja Jhorar, Ranbir Singh Rana
Summary: Micronutrient deficiency, also known as hidden hunger, refers to the lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body, causing inadequate growth, development, and overall health. It is particularly common in developing countries due to limited access to diverse and nutritious diets. Micronutrient supplementation has gained attention, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, for its potential role in supporting immune function and overall health. Biofortification, a sustainable strategy, addresses micronutrient deficiencies by increasing the levels of essential vitamins and minerals in staple crops consumed by affected communities.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jia Liu, Lin Huang, Tingxuan Li, Yaxi Liu, Zehong Yan, Guan Tang, Youliang Zheng, Dengcai Liu, Bihua Wu
Summary: In this study, a GWAS was conducted to characterize grain iron, zinc, and manganese concentration in advanced lines derived from wild emmer wheat. Multiple significant marker-trait associations were identified, suggesting potential for simultaneous improvement of micronutrient concentrations and TKW in breeding. The positive correlation between GFeC, GZnC and GMnC provides valuable information for wheat biofortification breeding.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Maria de la O. Leyva-Perez, Lea Vexler, Stephen Byrne, Corentin R. Clot, Fergus Meade, Denis Griffin, Tom Ruttink, Jie Kang, Dan Milbourne
Summary: We have developed a novel low-cost genome-scanning marker platform called PotatoMASH. By using multiplex amplicon sequencing, PotatoMASH efficiently analyzes 339 multi-allelic regions in the potato genome and has been successfully applied to over 700 potato lines. PotatoMASH is able to diagnose pest-resistance markers, detect quantitative trait loci, and track genetic variation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Clara Cruet-Burgos, Geoffrey P. Morris, Davina H. Rhodes
Summary: Crop biofortification is an effective strategy to improve vitamin A deficiency. Sorghum, a staple food in regions with high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, has the potential for vitamin A biofortification. Previous studies have found evidence that sorghum carotenoid variation is oligogenic, suggesting the use of marker-assisted selection for biofortification breeding. However, our study suggests that sorghum carotenoids have both oligogenic and polygenic components of variation.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mohamed El-Soda, Maha Aljabri
Summary: Increasing wheat grain yield without considering grain quality and metal accumulation may lead to metal deficiencies, especially in countries where bread wheat is a staple food. Through screening of wheat advanced lines, we found that high-yielding genotypes had higher levels of essential metals but lower levels of toxic metals. Positive correlations were observed among most metals, except for nickel and cadmium. By identifying significant SNPs, we contribute to wheat genetic biofortification and marker-assisted selection for long-term nutritional security.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mamta Dass, Jolene Nyako, Charles Tortoe, Nadia Fanou-Fogny, Eunice Nago, Joseph Hounhouigan, Jacques Berger, Frank Wieringa, Valerie Greffeuille
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of micronutrient interventions in Benin and Ghana on micronutrient intake in women of reproductive age, finding that basic diets contributed poorly and fortification and supplementation played a key role in meeting vitamin A and iron/folate requirements, with a risk of excess intakes.
Article
Agronomy
Shengxue Liu, Hongwei Wang, Feng Qin
Summary: Reliance on agriculture for food security is a constant in modern societies, but global climate change and population growth have increased pressure on sustainable agriculture, specifically due to drought stress which threatens crop growth and yield. Recent research has made progress in identifying genetic variations that affect drought-resistance traits, which can potentially be engineered to develop stress-resistant crop cultivars. Molecular-breeding technologies are being employed to develop drought-resistant germplasm in various crops.
Review
Plant Sciences
Bhupendra Koul, Komal Sharma, Vrinda Sehgal, Dhananjay Yadav, Meerambika Mishra, Chellapilla Bharadwaj
Summary: Chickpea, the world's second most consumed legume crop, is rich in nutrients and beneficial for diabetics. With the increasing world population, chickpea production should be increased to meet the demand. Utilizing genomic technologies in breeding is crucial for developing high yielding varieties to combat abiotic and biotic stresses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Medina-Lozano, Aurora Diaz
Summary: Crop breeding has historically focused on improving productivity and resistance to stresses, with less attention given to enhancing nutritional value. However, recent advancements in genetic engineering and conventional methods have allowed for biofortification of crops, resulting in the development of varieties with improved nutrient content. Genomic tools have played a crucial role in this process, facilitating the identification and transfer of desirable traits. Future challenges lie in the regulatory framework and further progress in this emerging field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingyang Tong, Cong Zhao, Mengjing Sun, Luping Fu, Jie Song, Dan Liu, Yelun Zhang, Jianmin Zheng, Zongjun Pu, Lianzheng Liu, Awais Rasheed, Ming Li, Xianchun Xia, Zhonghu He, Yuanfeng Hao
Summary: Biofortification is a sustainable strategy to address micronutrient deficiency in humans. This study utilized high-resolution genome-wide association studies to identify stable loci for grain zinc and iron concentrations in wheat. Through gene annotations and expression profiles, promising candidate genes involved in zinc and iron uptake, transport, storage, and regulation were identified. The findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis underlying grain zinc and iron concentrations in wheat and provide valuable markers and candidate genes for wheat biofortification.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Salem Marzougui, Mongi Ben Younes
Summary: This study identified 24 marker-trait associations (MTAs) related to heading date, plant height, and spike-related phenotypes in barley. These associations provide valuable information for breeding programs aiming to improve these traits in barley and develop varieties better adapted to semi-arid climates.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolina P. Moraleda, Diego Robledo, Alejandro P. Gutierrez, Jorge del-Pozo, Jose M. Yanez, Ross D. Houston
Summary: The resistance to SRS is a polygenic trait, and this study has identified relevant genes and pathways that are likely to play a role in mediating genetic resistance through genome-wide association analysis and RNA-sequencing.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cong Zhao, Jingyang Tong, Zhiyuan Gao, Jindong Liu, Yuanfeng Hao, Xianchun Xia, Zhonghu He, Yan Zhang, Wenfei Tian
Summary: This study analyzed the alkylresorcinol content in 161 wheat cultivars in China and found significant genotypic and environmental variations. Genome-wide association analysis identified stable loci associated with alkylresorcinol content, providing a theoretical basis for future genetic improvement.
JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Di Wu, Ryokei Tanaka, Xiaowei Li, Guillaume P. Ramstein, Suong Cu, John P. Hamilton, C. Robin Buell, James Stangoulis, Torbert Rocheford, Michael A. Gore
Summary: Through a genome-wide association study in maize, novel associations were detected for the concentration of elements in grain, with metal transporter genes and chelator genes identified. Predictive abilities for elemental grain phenotypes were obtained using two whole-genome prediction models, with BayesB showing higher performance for certain elements. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis for grain element accumulation in maize.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Georgia E. Guild, James C. R. Stangoulis
Summary: The study demonstrates that EDXRF analysis can accurately and quickly measure the concentrations of Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in lentil and sorghum, with results comparable to the reference ICP-MS analysis.
Article
Agronomy
Reem Joukhadar, Rebecca Thistlethwaite, Richard M. Trethowan, Matthew J. Hayden, James Stangoulis, Suong Cu, Hans D. Daetwyler
Summary: Genomic selection was successfully used to predict the concentrations of 13 nutritional elements in wheat grain, showing potential for wheat biofortification breeding. BayesR model demonstrated higher prediction accuracy for mineral concentrations, while BRR model performed well in predicting grain yield.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Marija Knez, James C. R. Stangoulis
Summary: This paper discusses the challenges and potential benefits of developing crops with higher calcium concentrations to address global calcium deficiency. Further research is needed to successfully develop and implement calcium-biofortified crops to help vulnerable populations.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marija Knez, James C. R. Stangoulis
Summary: The review provides an overview of the global challenge of zinc deficiency, current recommendations for zinc intake, and factors affecting dietary requirements. It also discusses modern lifestyle factors exacerbating zinc deficiency and new strategies to reduce its effects. The potential use of biofortification to improve zinc status in sensitive populations is also considered.
NUTRITION RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
James C. R. Stangoulis, Marija Knez
Summary: Biofortification is a long-term strategy to provide more iron and zinc to those in need. Plant breeding programs have made significant progress in developing varieties with higher levels of these nutrients. International cooperation and research efforts have improved our understanding of iron and zinc homeostasis and gene regulation. Evidence on the effectiveness of biofortified crops is slowly accumulating. Scaling up biofortification efforts is important for addressing iron and zinc deficiency worldwide and ensuring nutritional security.
Article
Agronomy
Georgia E. Guild, James C. R. Stangoulis
Summary: The study reported the use of EDXRF for rapid screening of calcium concentration in seed samples of various crops, showing that this method is suitable for calcium analysis in bean, cowpea, wheat, pearl millet, maize, and rice samples.
Article
Agronomy
Deepak Baranwal, Suong Cu, James Stangoulis, Richard Trethowan, Harbans Bariana, Urmil Bansal
Summary: New genomic regions for high accumulation of 10 minerals were identified and genes underlying rust resistance and mineral accumulation were found. These findings will contribute to the development of rust-resistant and nutrient-concentrated wheat cultivars, which are important for sustainable production and combating malnutrition. Several accessions with both rust resistance and biofortified traits were identified for use in breeding programs.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suong T. Cu, Nicholas I. Warnock, Julie Pasuquin, Michael Dingkuhn, James Stangoulis
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive study of the genetic bases controlling ionomic variation in rice, identifying numerous loci associated with grain elements and agronomic traits. The study provides crucial insights into the genetic basis of ionomic variations in rice and will facilitate improvement in breeding for trace mineral content.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elodie Brooks, Amy L. Slender, Suong Cu, Martin F. Breed, James C. R. Stangoulis
Summary: Understanding population structure and genetic diversity is important for designing effective conservation strategies. This study analyzed the population structure and genetic diversity of the critically endangered spiny daisy. The results showed strong genetic differentiation between populations, low levels of genetic diversity, and no inter-population gene flow. The Melrose population was found to be entirely composed of clones. Genetic rescue measures should be implemented to increase genetic diversity and improve the fitness and adaptability of the wild spiny daisy populations.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nagenahalli Dharmegowda Rathan, Gopalareddy Krishnappa, Anju-Mahendru Singh, Velu Govindan
Summary: Genomic regions controlling days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, thousand-kernel weight, and test weight in wheat were investigated using a RIL population derived from a cross between two wheat varieties. Thirty-seven novel QTLs, including stable and co-localized QTLs, were identified and were found to be associated with important candidate genes involved in various aspects of wheat growth and development. These QTLs have the potential to be used in marker-assisted selection for wheat breeding.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanru Feng, Muhammad Shahedul Alam, Feng Yan, Michael Frei
Summary: Tropospheric ozone has significant effects on the remobilization and allocation efficiency of aboveground biomass and nutrients in cereal crops. Long-term ozone exposure increases straw C:N ratio and affects grain C:N ratio. Grain N concentrations increase significantly under ozone stress, but N yield declines due to grain yield losses. Various indicators of N use efficiency are reduced, indicating reduced N absorption from soil and allocation from vegetative to reproductive organs. Straw C:N ratio is not suitable for predicting wheat productivity. Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) is not affected by ozone stress, but the relationship between harvest index (HI) and NHI is changed by elevated ozone concentration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cong Guan, Wei Li, Guoliang Wang, Ruimei Yang, Jinglei Zhang, Jinhong Zhang, Bo Wu, Run Gao, Chunlin Jia
Summary: This study characterized the expression profiles of mRNAs and ncRNAs in switchgrass under drought stress. The up-regulated mRNAs were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, while the differentially expressed lncRNAs potentially regulated protein-coding genes. The study also constructed regulatory networks and validated the functionality of the target gene PvSS4 in enhancing drought tolerance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Nicolas-Espinosa, Lucia Yepes-Molina, Fuensanta Martinez-Bernal, Miriam Fernandez-Pozurama, Micaela Carvajal
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the physiological response of broccoli leaves to abiotic stresses such as salinity and boron toxicity/deficiency. The results showed that the combined stress of salinity and boron deficiency resulted in a significant reduction in plant biomass, and the adaptation mechanisms were associated with water and boron concentration in the leaves. The expression patterns of PIP aquaporins varied among the different stress treatments, and their presence in the plasma membrane and interaction with the lipid environment played potential regulatory roles in facilitating salinity-boron stress adaptation mechanisms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Feng Huang, Juan Li, Jian-An Huang, Zhong-Hua Liu, Li-Gui Xiong
Summary: This review examines the seasonal trends of phyllosphere microorganisms in woody and herbaceous plants and explores the factors influencing these trends. While herbaceous and woody plants share some similarities and differences in their phyllosphere microbiomes, further experimental validation is needed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changguang Liao, Hui Shen, Zihan Gao, Yunshu Wang, Zhiguo Zhu, Qiaoli Xie, Ting Wu, Guoping Chen, Zongli Hu
Summary: The novel CRF, SlCRF6, plays a crucial role in regulating tomato plant morphology, leaf development, and the accumulation of photosynthetic products.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alok Madhu, Alok Sharma, Amandeep Kaur, Kashmir Singh, Santosh Kumar Upadhyay
Summary: In this study, 15 TaMDHAR genes were identified in bread wheat and their crucial roles in antioxidants, growth and development, and stress responses were revealed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai Zheng, Yongsheng Cai, Yanying Qu, Lu Teng, Chaoyue Wang, Jie Gao, Quanjia Chen
Summary: In this study, the whole genome identification and bioinformatics analysis of the HCT gene family were performed in G. barbadense. The results showed that the GbHCT114 gene regulates plant trichome development, which is closely related to cotton fiber quality. Gene silencing and overexpression experiments confirmed the important role of GbHCT114 gene in cotton fiber morphology, lignin content, and secondary xylem duct cell wall development. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with lignin synthesis and fiber development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanashvi Seth, Sejal Asija, Shahid Umar, Ravi Gupta
Summary: Plants activate a sophisticated signaling cascade in response to pests and pathogens, with lipids playing a crucial role in mediating these defense responses. Different types of lipids are involved in cell signaling during plant-pathogen interaction and each lipid has specific relevance and contributes to specific signaling cascades. Lipid biosynthetic enzymes, including phospholipases, are involved in the production of defense signaling molecules. Lipids participate in stress signaling by mediating signal transduction, acting as precursors for bioactive molecules, regulating ROS formation, and interacting with phytohormones.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yangyang Chen, Xiao Wu, Xiaohua Wang, Qionghou Li, Hao Yin, Shaoling Zhang
Summary: 'Nanguo' pears emit a rich aroma when fully ripe, and the important volatile components are the six-carbon compounds derived from the lipoxygenase pathway. This study identified a highly expressed bZIP transcription factor that is induced during the mature stage of 'Nanguo' pears, and demonstrated its regulatory role in fatty acid-derived volatile biosynthesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhao Geng, Haikuan Dou, Jianguang Liu, Guiyuan Zhao, Linlin Liu, Ning Zhao, Hanshuang Zhang, Yongqiang Wang, Zetong An
Summary: The overexpression of GhFB15 gene decreases the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis plants, while silencing the gene improves the salt tolerance of cotton plants. Furthermore, GhFB15 regulates the accumulation of flavonoids and the levels of ROS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linjun Cai, Ancheng Ma, Jiao Lei, Chongsheng He
Summary: METTL4 is identified as a plant DNA 6mA methyltransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana and plays a crucial role in regulating heat stress response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zailong Tian, Kun Li, Yaru Sun, Baojun Chen, Zhaoe Pan, Zhenzhen Wang, Baoyin Pang, Shoupu He, Yuchen Miao, Xiongming Du
Summary: Plants have evolved a mechanism called 'stress memory' to survive in various environmental stresses. This study reveals the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress memory formation in cotton, highlighting the role of histone modification H3K4me3 in regulating transcriptional memory. It also investigates the intergenerational inheritance of drought stress memory in cotton, providing theoretical guidance for cotton breeding.
