Identifying molecular targets for modulating carotenoid accumulation in rice grains
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Carotenoids are potential antioxidants offering extensive human health benefits including protection against chronic diseases. Augmenting the supply of health-benefiting compounds/metabolites through dietary supplements is the most sustainable way for a healthy life. Our study compares the traditional rice cultivar Kavuni and the white rice variety ASD 16. RNA-Seq analysis was carried out in the maturing panicles of Kavuni, which are enriched with antioxidants such as the therapeutic carotenoid lutein, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, along with “ASD 16”, a popularly eaten white rice variety, to elucidate the molecular networks regulating accumulation of health benefiting compounds. Systematic analysis of transcriptome data identified preferential up-regulation of carotenoid precursors ( OsDXS , OsGGPS ) and key carotenoid biosynthetic genes ( OsPSY1 , OsZ-ISO ) in the maturing grains of Kavuni. Our study also identified enhanced expression of OsLYC-E , OsCYP97A, and OsCYP97C transcripts involved in the alpha-carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and thereby leading to elevated lutein content in the grains of Kavuni. Kavuni grains showed preferential down-regulation of negative regulators of carotenoid metabolism viz., AP2 and HY5 and preferential up-regulation of positive modulators of carotenoid metabolism viz., Orange , OsDjB7, and OsSET29 , thus creating a favorable molecular framework for carotenoid accumulation. Our study has unearthed valuable gene control points for precise manipulation of carotenoid profiles through CRISPR-based gene editing in rice grains. Perturbation of carotenoid biosynthesis holds unprecedented potential for the rapid development of the next generation of ‘Golden rice’. • Two contrasting rice genotypes viz., ASD 16 (non-pigmented rice) and Kavuni (pigmented rice) were chosen for the study. • Carotenoid precursors, biosynthetic genes, and alpha-carotenoid pathway genes were upregulated in Kavuni grains. Carotenoid positive modulators were upregulated and carotenoid negative regulators were downregulated in grains of Kavuni. • Our study identified four key gene control points for precise manipulation of carotenoid profiles in rice grains.
Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
Award: G8489118136
OpenAlex ID: W4402299792