Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

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Mini Review - Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 3

Exploring the Potential of Plant Transformation in Enhancing Nutritional Value

Mikael Nordinv*

Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

*Corresponding Author:
Mikael Nordinv
Department of Plant Breeding
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Uppsala, Sweden
E-mail: mikael.nordin@slu.se

Received: 25-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAPBM-23-101623; Editor assigned: 26-May-2023, PreQC No.AAPBM-23-101623(PQ); Reviewed: 13-June-2023, QC No.AAPBM-23-101623; Revised: 15-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. AAPBM-23-101623(R); Published: 28-June-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aapbm-6.3.154

Citation: Nordin M. Exploring the potential of plant transformation in enhancing nutritional value. J Plant Bio Technol. 2023;6(3):154

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Abstract

Plant transformation, the introduction of foreign genes into plant genomes, has emerged as a powerful tool for crop improvement. Beyond traditional goals of yield increase and pest resistance, plant transformation offers immense potential for enhancing the nutritional value of crops. This article explores the utilization of plant transformation techniques in improving the nutritional content of plants, with a focus on key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds. It discusses various strategies employed to increase nutrient levels in crops, including metabolic engineering, gene stacking, and RNA interference. Furthermore, it highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with the transformation-based enhancement of crop nutritional value. By harnessing the potential of plant transformation, we can address global malnutrition and promote healthier diets through the development of nutritionally enhanced crop varieties.

Keywords

Plant transformation, Nutritional enhancement, Crop improvement, Metabolic engineering, Gene stacking, RNA interference, Vitamins, Minerals, Essential amino acids, Bioactive compounds, Global malnutrition, Crop varieties.

Introduction

Plant transformation has revolutionized crop improvement by allowing the introduction of foreign genes into plant genomes. While conventional plant breeding focused primarily on agronomic traits, plant transformation opens up new possibilities for enhancing the nutritional value of crops [1]. Malnutrition affects millions of people worldwide, with deficiencies in essential nutrients contributing to various health issues. Plant transformation techniques offer a promising avenue for developing nutritionally enhanced crop varieties, addressing global malnutrition, and promoting healthier diets. Utilizing Plant Transformation for Nutritional Enhancement: Plant transformation techniques enable the introduction of genes encoding key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis or accumulation of specific nutrients. Metabolic engineering approaches are employed to increase the levels of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds, in crops. By manipulating metabolic pathways, scientists can enhance the nutritional quality of staple crops, such as rice, maize, and wheat [2].

To achieve a comprehensive improvement in the nutritional value of crops, researchers employ gene stacking, a strategy that involves the simultaneous introduction of multiple genes responsible for different nutritional traits. By combining genes associated with the biosynthesis of different nutrients, it is possible to create crops with enhanced levels of multiple essential nutrients. Gene stacking offers the potential to develop nutritionally fortified crops that can address multiple nutrient deficiencies simultaneously [3].

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool used in plant transformation to downregulate the expression of specific genes. In terms of nutritional enhancement, RNAi can be utilized to suppress genes responsible for antinutritional factors or compounds that hinder nutrient bioavailability. By reducing the levels of these inhibitors, nutrient absorption and utilization can be improved, enhancing the overall nutritional value of crops [4].

Potential Benefits and Challenges

The potential benefits of plant transformation in enhancing the nutritional value of crops are immense. Nutritionally enhanced crop varieties can provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to combat nutrient deficiencies and improve human health. By targeting specific nutrient deficiencies prevalent in different regions, plant transformation can address local nutritional needs. Furthermore, nutritionally enhanced crops can contribute to reducing the reliance on synthetic nutrient supplements and promote the consumption of healthier, nutrient-rich diets.

However, there are challenges associated with plant transformation for nutritional enhancement. Safety assessments, regulatory considerations, public acceptance, and intellectual property rights are critical aspects that need to be addressed. Additionally, understanding the long-term effects of genetically modified crops on human health and the environment is essential [5].

Conclusion

Plant transformation techniques offer significant potential for enhancing the nutritional value of crops, contributing to global efforts to combat malnutrition and improve public health. By employing metabolic engineering, gene stacking, RNA interference, and other transformation strategies, it is possible to develop crops with increased levels of essential nutrients. However, addressing regulatory, safety, and public acceptance concerns is crucial to ensure the successful deployment of nutritionally enhanced crop varieties. The utilization of plant transformation in nutritional enhancement represents a promising pathway to create a more sustainable and healthier future.

References

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