Advances in Understanding the Genetic Basis of Fatty Acids Biosynthesis in Perilla: An Update

Abstract

Perilla, also termed as purple mint, Chinese basil, or Perilla mint, is a flavoring herb widely used in East Asia. Both crude oil and essential oil are employed for consumption as well as industrial purposes. Fatty acids (FAs) biosynthesis and oil body assemblies in Perilla have been extensively investigated over the last three decades. Recent advances have been made in order to reveal the enzymes involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis in Perilla. Among those fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid retained the attention of scientists mainly due to its medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Lipids synthesis in Perilla exhibited similarities with Arabidopsis thaliana lipids’ pathway. The homologous coding genes for polyunsaturated fatty acid desaturases, transcription factors, and major acyl-related enzymes have been found in Perilla via de novo transcriptome profiling, genome-wide association study, and in silico whole-genome screening. The identified genes covered de novo fatty acid synthesis, acyl-CoA dependent Kennedy pathway, acyl-CoA independent pathway, Triacylglycerols (TAGs) assembly, and acyl editing of phosphatidylcholine. In addition to the enzymes, transcription factors including WRINKLED, FUSCA3, LEAFY COTYLEDON1, and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 have been suggested. Meanwhile, the epigenome aspect impacting the transcriptional regulation of FAs is still unclear and might require more attention from the scientific community. This review mainly outlines the identification of the key gene master players involved in Perilla FAs biosynthesis and TAGs assembly that have been identified in recent years. With the recent advances in genomics resources regarding this orphan crop, we provided an updated overview of the recent contributions into the comprehension of the genetic background of fatty acid biosynthesis. The provided resources can be useful for further usage in oil-bioengineering and the design of alpha-linolenic acid-boosted Perilla genotypes in the future.

Proteomics reveals the significance of vacuole Pi transporter in the adaptability of Brassica napus to Pi deprivation

“…In W10, ALA metabolism was the most overrepresented pathway compared to BnPHT5;1a DM under sufficient Pi supply ( Figure 4C , Supplementary Figure 7B ), which suggested attenuated ALA metabolism in BnPHT5;1a DM. In ALA metabolism, phosphatidylcholine acts upstream of ALA and is the precursor of ALA ( Bae et al., 2022 ). Phosphatidylcholine is the major phospholipid found in the membranes of plant cells and its biosynthesis needs Pi ( Liu et al., 2021 ; Nakamura, 2021 ).…”

Perilla frutescens L.: a dynamic food crop worthy of future challenges

“…Genes coding various transcription factors like WRINKLED, FUSCA3, LEAFY COTYLEDON1, ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3, along with various enzymes for PUFA biosynthesis and acyl-related enzymes is identified in Perilla ( 44 ). Besides their functional validation, the identification of epigenetic control of FAs biosynthesis is also important to understand the vast network of FA biosynthesis in perilla.…”

Improving the Traits of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt Using Gene Editing Technology

“…Perilla is used not only as a food ingredient but also as a supplement in animal feed [ 14 ]. Its fatty acids have numerous applications in the health and oil industries, as well as in animal husbandry [ 15 ]. Therefore, a thorough understanding of fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for the proper utilization of perilla in biomedicine, bioengineering, and animal industries [ 15 ].…”

“…Its fatty acids have numerous applications in the health and oil industries, as well as in animal husbandry [ 15 ]. Therefore, a thorough understanding of fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for the proper utilization of perilla in biomedicine, bioengineering, and animal industries [ 15 ]. Hence, including perilla seeds and oil in the diet could have a positive impact on well-being.…”