Abstract

Targeting Phytic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway Genes in Hexaploid wheat to Enhance Iron-Bioavailability

Ajay Kumar Pandey, Scientist D, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute

Phytic acid (myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6- hexakisphosphate; PA, IP6) beside been a storage form of phosphorus in seed is also a well know seed anti-nutrient. The chelating properties of PA in seeds contribute to reduced iron and other micronutrients bioavailability. In plants, the ability of phytic acid to chelate some important micronutrients including iron has led to the designing of the strategy to target the biosynthesis pathway of IP6 in different crops. The areas of the inositol phosphate and phytic acid biology in wheat remain largely elusive and unexplored. My lab is currently working on approaches directed to metabolically alter the level of phytic acid (antinutrient) to enhance iron bioavailability. This includes targeting the biosynthesis pathway of PA and its transport to the vacuoles. The present talk will discuss the identification of the PA pathway genes from wheat that was not reported earlier and its functional validation in yeast mutants. Additionally, RNAi wheat plants are now generated for achievening low wheat phytate. Biochemical and molecular analysis is currently underway. Other approaches to achieve LPA will also be reflected.