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CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Editing of the FAE1 Gene for Improving Fatty Acid Composition in Oilseed Crops: A Review
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Reyhaneh Yarmohammadi Jalali *   , F. Jalalimanesh |
| Master of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Arak University,Arak,Iran |
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Abstract: (3 Views) |
| The FAE1 gene encodes a 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase involved in the elongation of fatty acid chains and the biosynthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), including erucic acid. Modifying FAE1 through genome-editing technologies offers a promising strategy for tailoring seed oil composition in oilseed crops for specific nutritional and industrial applications. This review examines recent advances in CRISPR/Cas-mediated editing of FAE1 and its effects on seed fatty acid profiles, with particular emphasis on Camelina sativa, Brassica napus and Brassica juncea. Relevant studies were identified through searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Published research on CRISPR/Cas-mediated editing of FAE1 in oilseed crops, together with relevant molecular and functional studies using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant, was critically evaluated. Evidence from C. sativa demonstrates that simultaneous disruption of its three FAE1 homeologs can reduce seed VLCFA content to less than 2% of total fatty acids, compared with more than 22% in wild-type plants, accompanied by increased proportions of C18 unsaturated fatty acids. Similarly, targeted disruption of FAE1 homologs in B. napus and B. juncea has resulted in substantial reductions in seed erucic acid, with some edited lines exhibiting nearly complete elimination of this fatty acid and increased oleic acid content. However, the magnitude of these changes varies among species, cultivars and editing strategies. This review also discusses the implications of FAE1 modification for nutritional oil quality, industrial applications, seed oil content and agronomic performance. Despite promising advances, further research is required to optimize editing efficiency, improve transformation and regeneration protocols, assess potential off-target effects, establish the stability and inheritance of edited traits, and evaluate their effects on seed composition and crop performance. Overall, CRISPR/Cas-mediated editing of FAE1 represents a valuable approach for the targeted improvement of oilseed crops and the development of vegetable oils with tailored fatty acid profiles. |
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| Keywords: FAE1, CRISPR/Cas9, genome editing, oilseed crops, very-long-chain fatty acids, erucic acid, fatty acid composition. |
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Type of Study: Research |
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