Advancements in Crop PUFAs Biosynthesis and Genetic Engineering: A Systematic and Mixed Review System

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular studies on plant lipids have revealed novel functions, increasing interest in their roles in plant metabolic processes and food functionality. With evolving living standards, the demand for crop-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) oil is increasing due to their benefits for cardiovascular health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these benefits, there are gaps in comprehensive, integrated, and consolidated documents on recent advancements in crop biotechlogy, particularly concerning the biosynthesis of essential lipids. Such a document could provide valuable insights for researchers, breeders, and industry professionals seeking to enhance crop oil profiles and optimize the nutritional and functional qualities of plant-based foods. Therefore, this study aims to: (1) provide an updated review of crop lipid biosynthesis and (2) identify trending topics, key contributors, and institutions contributing to research on crop PUFAs, their health benefits, and genes associated with these functions. Methods: Systematic and mixed-method review approaches were used to gather the most recent evidence by identifying all relevant primary research studies on the specific review topic. Five databases were used in the process. Result and conclusion: 366 papers were identified, with 73 highly cited and recent ones focusing on crop PUFA biosynthesis and genetic engineering. Key genes involved in lipid biosynthesis include FAD, TMT, HGG, GhKAR, GhHAD, and transcription factors like MYB89, MYB96, WRI, LEC, GL2, FUS3, and HB2 all critical for enhancing PUFA biosynthesis. However, challenges such as poor transgene expression, reduced seed germination, and metabolic toxicity must be addressed to develop crops with improved oil profiles.

Keywords: PUFA; crop biotechnology; essential lipids; healthcare; nutrition.

Figure 1

The health benefits of PUFAs.

Figure 2

The biosynthetic pathways of PUFAs including the enzymes mentioned in crops.

Figure 3

PRISMA flow diagram.

Figure 4

Term map using words from titles and abstracts of the 73 most popular crop molecular findings on PUFAs: omega 3/6 biosynthesis for current dietary food values papers. Words from titles and abstracts were parsed, analyzed, and visualized by VOS viewer. There were 203 terms that appeared in five or more papers and hence included in the map. Each bubble represents a term or phrase. The bubble size indicates its frequency of occurrence. The bubble color indicates the averaged citation counts received by papers containing the term or phrase. If two terms co-occur more frequently, the two bubbles are in closer proximity.

Figure 5

Schematic representation of lipid biosynthetic pathway in plants and major genes involved. GAPC, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; PEPC, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase; DHAP, dihydroxyacetone phosphate; GPDH, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; G3P, glycerol-3-phosphate; A-CoA, acetyl-CoA; ACC, acetyl-CoA carboxylase; GPAT, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase; LPA, lysophosphatidic acid; DGAT, diacylglycerol acyltransferase; PC, phatidylcholine; PDAT, phospholipid diacylglycerol acyltransferase; TAG, triacylglycerol(lipid droplets).