New model for the biosynthesis of asparagine
Using the example of chicory, whose roots are used as a substitute for coffee, Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren's team (TERRA / Gembloux Agro Bio Tech) , in collaboration with the Walloon company COSUCRA, is providing a new model for the biosynthesis of asparagine, an amino acid that plays a role in the production of acrylamide during the high-temperature processing of plant-based foodstuffs.
T
he presence of acrylamide (AA), a potentially carcinogenic and neurotoxic compound, in food has become a major public health concern. AA in plant-derived food (French fries, potato chips, coffee, biscuits, sandwich bread) is mainly due to the reaction of the amino acid asparagine (Asn) and sugars during high-temperature food processing.
Using a selection of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) genotypes, a team of researchers (Dr. Emanoella Soares, Dr. Leonard Shumbe) from the plant genetics laboratory (Plant Genetics Lab, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, ULiège) performed different Asn measurements in the roots and leaves of the plant in order to identify genotypes characterized by an accumulation of Asn.
From a methodological point of view, the researchers combined molecular analysis and grafting experiments to show that leaf to root translocation controls asparagine biosynthesis and accumulation in chicory roots. They showed that the accumulation of Asn in chicory roots depends on its biosynthesis and transport from the leaf, and that a negative feedback loop of Asn on the expression of a biosynthesis gene (i.e. CiASN1) has an impact on its biosynthesis in leaves.
These results provide a new model for asparagine biosynthesis in root crop species and highlight the importance of characterizing and manipulating asparagine transport to reduce AA content in processed plant-based foodstuffs
Source
Asparagine accumulation in chicory storage roots is controlled by translocation and feedback regulation of asparagine biosynthesis in leaves', New Phytologist, DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.27.063412
Authors
Emanoella Soares1, Leonard Shumbe1, Nicolas Dauchot2, Christine Notté3, Claire Prouin3, Olivier Maudoux3, Hervé Vanderschuren1,4
1 Plant Genetics Laboratory, TERRA Teaching and Research Center, University of Liège
2 Research Unit in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Namur
3 Chicoline, Breeding division of Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA
4 Tropical Crop Improvement Laboratory, Crop Biotechnics Division, Biosystems Department, KU Leuven
Contact
Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren, Plant Genetics Lab, TERRA Teaching and Research center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège (ULiège)
