Multi-omics-driven advances in the understanding of triacylglycerol biosynthesis in oil seeds

Abstract

Vegetable oils are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids and energy as well as valuable sources of human food, animal feed, and bioenergy. Triacylglycerols, which are comprised of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone, are the main component of vegetable oils. Here, we review the development and application of multiple-level omics in major oilseeds and emphasize the progress in the analysis of the biological roles of key genes underlying seed oil content and quality in major oilseeds. Finally, we discuss future research directions in functional genomics research based on current omics and oil metabolic engineering strategies that aim to enhance seed oil content and quality, and specific fatty acids components according to either human health needs or industrial requirements.

Keywords: cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.); fatty acid composition; maize (Zea mays L.); omics; peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.); rapeseed (Brassica napus L.); riacylglycerol biosynthesis; seed oil content; soybean (Glycine max L.); sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).