Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 206-217 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 211 Eucommia ulmoides, we identified 9 genes encoding omega-3 fatty acid dehydrogenases (Zhao et al., unpublished data). By integrating these advanced analytical and molecular techniques, researchers can achieve a comprehensive understanding of ALA biosynthesis, detection, and quantification, ultimately contributing to the development of superior varieties and enhanced nutritional products. 6 Case Study 6.1 Case study of enhanced ALA production inEucommia ulmoides through genetic engineering Recent advancements in genetic engineering have significantly enhanced the production of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in Eucommia ulmoides. One notable study utilized transcriptome analysis to identify key genes involved in the biosynthesis of ALA. The high expression of the ω-3 fatty acid desaturase coding gene EU0103017 was found to be a crucial factor for the elevated ALA content in E. ulmoides (Figure 2) (Du et al., 2023). Additionally, research on transgenic models, such as Arabidopsis, has provided insights into overcoming the challenges associated with high ALA accumulation, such as embryonic developmental defects. Overexpression of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2 (LPAT2) was shown to rescue these defects by enhancing the esterification of ALA to triacylglycerol (TAG), thereby mitigating stress. These findings underscore the potential of genetic engineering in optimizing ALA production in E. ulmoides. Figure 2 presents the reconstructed pathway of α-linolenic acid biosynthesis and metabolism in Eucommia ulmoides, with a heatmap showing the expression levels of key enzyme genes in the fruit, stem, leaf, and bark. The figure clearly indicates that several key enzyme genes responsible for α-linolenic acid biosynthesis exhibit significantly higher expression levels in the fruit and leaf compared to the stem and bark. Notably, the EU0103017 gene, which encodes ω-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD7), shows extremely high expression in the fruit and leaf, indicating its crucial role in α-linolenic acid biosynthesis. This high differential gene expression reveals the mechanism of α-linolenic acid accumulation in the fruit and leaf. In contrast, the lower expression of metabolism-related genes further supports the efficient accumulation of α-linolenic acid in these tissues. 6.2 Field trials and real-world applications of ALA-richEucommia ulmoides Field trials have demonstrated the practical applications of ALA-rich Eucommia ulmoides in various industries. The comprehensive characterization of E. ulmoides seed oil revealed its high ALA content, making it a promising candidate for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The oil's excellent physicochemical properties and high vitamin E content further enhance its value. Moreover, the successful engineering of staple oil crops like Brassica napus with increased ALA content using genes from Perilla frutescens highlights the feasibility of similar approaches in E. ulmoides (Yin et al., 2020). These real-world applications illustrate the potential economic and health benefits of cultivating ALA-rich E. ulmoides. 6.3 Lessons learned from case studies and future applications The case studies on Eucommia ulmoides provide several valuable lessons for future applications. Firstly, the identification and manipulation of key genes involved in ALA biosynthesis are critical for enhancing ALA content. Secondly, addressing the challenges associated with high ALA accumulation, such as developmental defects, is essential for the successful application of genetic engineering techniques (Xue et al., 2023). Lastly, the real-world applications of ALA-rich E. ulmoides in various industries highlight the importance of comprehensive characterization and field trials to ensure the viability and economic potential of genetically engineered crops (Zhang et al., 2018). Future research should focus on optimizing genetic engineering strategies and expanding the applications of ALA-rich E. ulmoides to maximize its benefits. By integrating these insights, researchers and industry professionals can develop more effective strategies for enhancing ALA production in Eucommia ulmoides and other crops, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and economic growth.
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