Engineering Oilseed Crops for Sustainable Production of Functional Fatty Acids
Abstract
Plant oils are renewable sources of fatty acids with diverse biological, nutritional, and industrial applications. Our research focuses on developing plant-based production systems for two valuable types of fatty acids: hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) and high-oleic oils. Using metabolic engineering and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we have modified fatty acid biosynthesis and storage in Arabidopsis, Camelina, and soybean. HFAs have unique chemical properties and are important raw materials for lubricants, polymers, nylons, cosmetics, and other industrial products. Castor (Ricinus communis) is the major commercial source of HFAs, but its seeds contain the highly toxic protein ricin. To develop safer alternative sources, we introduced multiple castor genes involved in HFA biosynthesis and triacylglycerol accumulation into Arabidopsis. Combined modification of fatty acid synthesis and elongation increased HFA accumulation to approximately 35% of seed oil. We subsequently applied this strategy to Camelina (Camelina sativa), where multigene expression combined with CsFAE1 genome editing and enhancement of lipid metabolic flux increased HFA accumulation to 26.4%.
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