Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via E. Bassini 15, Milan, ItalyInterests: legumes; Phaseolus vulgaris; seed; seed protein; seed nutritional quality; phytic acid metabolism; ABC-MRP type phytic acid transporter; lpa mutants
Dear Colleagues,
Over the last few decades, phosphorus has become a major sustainability issue as a non-renewable resource. Phosphorus is a key component of fertilizers and feed, hence the growing demand for food has increased the rate of stock mobilization and consequently also the price of this mineral.
The main storage form of phosphorus in plant seeds is phytic acid, a strong cation chelator and insoluble phosphate compound considered to be an anti-nutritional factor. Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in populations whose diet is based on the consumption of staple crops (cereals and legumes) rich in phytic acid because this compound binds cations to form phytin-mixed salts that are not assimilated. Therefore, the isolation of low phytic acid (lpa) mutants is a highly desirable goal for genetic-based improvement in the nutritional quality of grain crops.
On the other hand, phytic acid and some of its precursors and derived molecules play important roles in various signal transduction pathways. Moreover, phytic acid is a natural antioxidant compound. Therefore, the optimal concentration of PA needs to be maintained in plants so as to avoid adverse pleiotropic effects while ensuring the bioavailability of micronutrients in diets.
Breeding programs, genome editing and GMO approaches can build upon the results of basic plant science in order to maximize the utility of modified crops while avoiding agronomic defects.The aim of this special issue is to highlight new developments in our understanding of how alterations in phytic acid content or mineral buildup in seeds can affect plant function, growth and response to the environment.
The topic will include contributions from scientists working at different system levels, including molecular, cellular, whole organism and environmental/ecological perspectives.
Prof. Roberto Pilu, Dr. Eleonora Cominelli and Dr. Francesca Sparvoli
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