Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia seed genome, revealing its enormous potential to enhance human health and nutrition. The study identified genes beneficial for pharmaceuticals and enhanced nutrition, establishing chia as a valuable crop for agricultural research. This breakthrough, coupled with the chia plant's diverse nutritional profile and adaptability, positions it to be a key player in future food safety and health research.
Breakthroughs in sequencing the chia seed genome have opened up new avenues for nutritional science and health research, highlighting the plant's potential for medicinal applications and agricultural innovation. Oregon State University scientists have sequenced the chia genome, providing a blueprint for future research to harness the plant's nutritional and human health benefits.
In a just-published paper, researchers discovered genes in chia seeds linked to improved nutrition, as well as properties needed for pharmaceuticals to treat everything from cancer to high blood pressure. In recent years, chia seeds have received a lot of attention due to their nutritional richness.
Others have sequenced the chia genome, but this paper explores the potential of molecular-level and genetic data mining in more detail, with a focus on human health applications.
"This study opens up the possibility for scientists to study chia seeds from a perspective of improving human health while continuing to deepen our understanding of all the nutritional benefits of chia seeds," said Pankaj Jaiswal, a professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural Sciences at OSU.
The researchers also hope the findings will spark interest in growing kiwi in Oregon, which they say has climate conditions similar to those in South America where kiwi is mostly grown. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have helped promote the cultivation of chia seeds in the state.
Chia seeds are considered an "orphan" or "minor crop" and have historically been underappreciated by scientists, like rice, wheat and corn, all of which contributed to the Green Revolution of the last century, alleviating global hunger and saving millions of lives.
"We are now at a stage where long-term food and nutritional security requires diversification of human diets through the cultivation and improvement of nutrient-dense so-called minor crops such as kiwifruit," said Associate Professor Sushma Naithani, senior researcher in the Department of Botany and Phytopathology.
Researchers note that global demand for nutritious so-called "orphan crops" such as chia seeds, millet and yams has increased in recent years. In addition to their nutritional value, the importance of these crops is that they can often be grown on marginal land unsuitable for many traditional food crops, which is an important asset in mitigating climate change.
Chia seeds (small, round, and available in black, brown, and white) are high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein and are often part of recipes such as smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and granola bars.
Past research has found:
The polyunsaturated fatty acids in chia seeds can improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, and have anti-cancer effects.
The high fiber content of chia seeds helps stabilize blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and is helpful for people with gastrointestinal related conditions.
The protein in chia seeds may help treat cancer and high blood pressure, and also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Chia seeds soaked in water form a gel that is used as a texture modifier, emulsifier, gelling agent and encapsulating agent in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Genetic insights to advance agriculture
Additionally, this latest paper identifies genes and genetic markers in chia that could help agricultural researchers breed chia to enhance properties valuable to human health.
Parul Gupta, the first author of the paper and an associate researcher in Jaiswal's laboratory, said that the researchers found 29 genes involved in the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids and 93 genes that contribute to the gel-forming properties of chia seeds.
They also found 2,707 genes that are highly expressed in seeds and are likely to produce small bioactive peptides derived from proteins. When the seed proteins are digested in the intestines, these small biopeptides are released and absorbed by the body, with potential properties that may help alleviate human health problems such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. This is the first report of plant genome analysis having benefits for human health.
Open data fosters collaboration
To promote collaboration and open data science, the researchers released the kiwi genome data through its genome portal https://salviagdb.org.
References: ParulGupta, MatthewGeniza, JustinElser, NoorAl-Bader, RachelBaschieri, JeremyLeviPhillips, EbaadHaq, JustinPre ece, Sushma Naithani, and Pankaj Jaiswal, published in Frontiers in Plant Science on October 23, 2023: "Reference genome of the nutrient-rich orphan crop Chia (Salvia hispanica) and its implications for future breeding."
DOI:10.3389/fpls.2023.1272966
Compiled source: ScitechDaily