Research Projects

Omega 3 (ω-3) fatty acids are known to have multiple health benefits. Due to the substantial dietary deficit of ω-3 fatty acids, this deficit can be attributed to the unavailability of sustainable sources of ω-3 fatty acids containing edible oil for mass consumption. However, as there is a significant dietary shortfall of ω-3 fatty acids, it is crucial to increase their production. One approach to achieving this is by bioengineering plants with the appropriate genes to produce oil rich in ω-3 fatty acids. Bioengineering of plants with suitable genes can be used to produce ω-3 fatty acid-rich oil. We have been trying to understand the mechanism of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) accumulation in plant systems. In our previous SERB project (EEQ/2016/000531, 2017-2020), we investigated the mechanism of PUFA accumulation in Salvia hispanica (Chia), an economically important oilseed crop, having about 60% of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the seed. We demonstrated that ShDGAT2 (Diacylglycerol acyltransferase2) and ShPDAT1 (Phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase) enzymes preferred ALA, and showed a concentration-dependent increase in ALA incorporation into TAG. ShPDAT1 enzyme preferred LA and exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in TAG's linoleic acid (LA) content. We concluded that ShPDAT1, ShDGAT2, and fatty acid desaturase (ShFAD3) could be good candidates to metabolically engineer oilseed crops to produce PUFA-rich oils. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop that produces vegetable oil, animal feed, and biofuels. However, sunflower oil has a relatively low TAG content and an unfavorable fatty acid profile, which limits its utility for specific applications. Sunflower oil is rich in ω-6 fatty acids with negligible ω-3 fatty acids. Using genome editing, we can modify the genes involved in TAG and fatty acid biosynthesis in Sunflower to increase the TAG content and desirably alter the fatty acid profile. In this proposal, we wish to use genome editing techniques to increase the TAG content, modify sunflower oil's fatty acid profile, and add chia genes (ShDGAT2 and ShFAD3) to improve the ALA content in TAG and further enhance the oil quality. This project will develop sunflower lines with increased TAG content, altered fatty acid profile, and improved oil quality by adding chia genes. The project will have potential applications in the food, feed, and biofuel industries. The project will also provide insights into the Sunflower's genetic regulation of TAG and fatty acid biosynthesis.