Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 206-217 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 206 Review Article Open Access Biosynthesis of α-Linolenic Acid in Eucommia ulmoides: A Comprehensive Review CaoRui 1, Yichen Zhao1 , Degang Zhao1,2 1 The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Tea Sciences/Institute of Agro- Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China 2 Plant Conservation & Breeding Technology Center, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology/ Biotechnology Institute of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, China Co-corresponding emails: yczhao@gzu.edu.cn; dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn Bioscience Evidence, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0022 Received: 27 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 02 Sep., 2024 Published: 16 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Rui et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Rui C., Zhao Y.C., and Zhao D.G., 2024, Biosynthesis of α-llinolenic acid in Eucommia ulmoides: a comprehensive review, Bioscience Evidence, 14(5): 206-217 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0022) Abstract α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential ω-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in cardiovascular function, anti-inflammatory processes, and metabolic regulation. Eucommia ulmoides, a kand of Chinese tranditional medicinal plant with a very high ALA content, is the focus of this comprehensive review on ALA biosynthesis. The study explores the key biochemical pathways involved in ALA production, emphasizing the roles of dehydrogenases and elongases, as well as the gene regulatory mechanisms, including transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. The genetic basis of ALA biosynthesis is also analyzed, identifying key genes and molecular markers associated with ALA traits. Furthermore, the study reviews chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques used for ALA detection, along with modern molecular biological methods. Case studies on the genetic engineering of Eucommia ulmoides to enhance ALA yield provide practical insights for application. This study addresses the current challenges and future directions in ALA research, offering theoretical foundations and reference guidance for related studies in the fields of genetics and biochemistry. Keywords α-linolenic acid; Eucommia ulmoides; Biosynthesis; Omega-3 fatty acids; Genetic engineering 1 Introduction α-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a critical role in human health, particularly in cardiovascular function, anti-inflammatory responses, and neuroprotection. As the human body cannot synthesize ALA, it must be obtained through dietary sources, making plant-based ALA-rich foods of significant interest for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. ALA also serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of other long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), further highlighting its importance in maintaining physiological balance and promoting overall health. Medicinal plants have long been recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including ALA. Among these plants, Eucommia ulmoides stands out for its high ALA content and wide range of therapeutic properties. Eucommia ulmoides, commonly known as the Hardy Rubber Tree, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and bone-strengthening effects. Recent studies have shown that the plant's health benefits may be partially attributed to its rich ALA content, which underscores its significance in both traditional and modern medicine. Investigating the biosynthesis of ALA in Eucommia ulmoides can provide deeper insights into its medicinal potential and open new avenues for its application in functional foods, poultry feed and pharmaceuticals. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of ALA biosynthesis in Eucommia ulmoides, focusing on the key enzymes involved in ALA biosynthesis, the regulatory mechanisms of ALA biosynthesis, and a comparison of these pathways with those in other plant species. Through this study, the goal is to deepen the understanding of the molecular and biochemical processes underlying ALA biosynthesis in Eucommia ulmoides, offering scientific insights that can help optimize ALA production and enhance its utilization in medicinal applications.
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