Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 206-217 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 214 Although recent studies have identified key genes involved in glycolytic metabolism, which is crucial for providing the intermediates for ALA biosynthesis, the exact regulatory networks and pathways remain largely unexplored. Additionally, the complexity of the genome, including whole-genome duplication events, adds another layer of difficulty in pinpointing specific genes and their functions related to ALA biosynthesis. The variability in gene expression between different developmental stages and varieties of E. ulmoides further complicates the research, as it requires extensive and precise temporal and spatial gene expression analyses (Yu et al., 2020). 9.2 Potential breakthroughs in genetic and biochemical studies Despite these challenges, there are promising avenues for breakthroughs in the genetic and biochemical studies of ALA biosynthesis. The availability of high-quality chromosome-level genomes for both male and female E. ulmoides provides a robust foundation for in-depth genetic studies. This genomic information can facilitate the identification of key regulatory genes and pathways involved in ALA biosynthesis. For instance, the high expression of the ω-3 fatty acid desaturase coding gene EU0103017 has been linked to high ALA content, suggesting a potential target for genetic manipulation2. Furthermore, advanced transcriptome sequencing technologies have enabled the identification and characterization of numerous unigenes related to glycolytic metabolism, which may play critical roles in ALA accumulation1. These technological advancements could lead to the development of superior E. ulmoides varieties with enhanced ALA content through targeted breeding and genetic engineering (Li, 2006). 9.3 Future directions for the application of ALA in medicine The future application of ALA in medicine holds significant promise, particularly given its well-documented health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. To fully harness the medicinal potential of ALA, future research should focus on optimizing the biosynthesis pathways in E. ulmoides to increase ALA yield. This could involve the use of CRISPR/Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies to enhance the expression of key biosynthetic genes identified in recent studies. Additionally, understanding the interaction between ALA biosynthesis and other metabolic pathways could lead to the development of E. ulmoides varieties with tailored fatty acid profiles for specific medical applications. Collaborative efforts between plant biologists, geneticists, and medical researchers will be essential to translate these findings into practical medical applications, potentially leading to new treatments and preventive strategies for various health conditions. By addressing these challenges and leveraging potential breakthroughs, the research on ALA biosynthesis in Eucommia ulmoides can pave the way for significant advancements in both plant science and medical applications. 10 Concluding Remarks The biosynthesis of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in Eucommia ulmoides has been extensively studied, revealing several critical insights. The high-quality chromosome-level genome of E. ulmoides has provided valuable information on the genetic basis of ALA biosynthesis. Notably, the high expression of the ω-3 fatty acid desaturase coding gene (EU0103017) is a significant factor contributing to the high ALA content in E. ulmoides. Additionally, the characterization of E. ulmoides seed oil has shown that it contains approximately 61.36% linolenic acid, making it a promising candidate for various applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Furthermore, the identification and expression analysis of glycolytic pathway genes in developing kernels of E. ulmoides have highlighted the role of glycolytic metabolism in ALA accumulation, with several genes showing higher expression in high-ALA varieties. The findings from these studies open several avenues for future research. Firstly, the detailed genomic information can be leveraged to explore the regulatory mechanisms governing ALA biosynthesis and sex differentiation in E. ulmoides. This could lead to the development of superior varieties with enhanced ALA content and other desirable traits. Secondly, further research into the physicochemical properties and potential applications of E. ulmoides seed oil could facilitate its commercialization and utilization in various industries. Lastly, the role of glycolytic pathway genes in ALA accumulation warrants deeper investigation, particularly in understanding how these genes can be manipulated to increase ALA content in E. ulmoideskernels.
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