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Title: Towards rational control of seed oil composition: dissecting cellular organization and flux control of lipid metabolism

Journal Article · · Plant Physiology (Bethesda)

Abstract Plant lipids represent a fascinating field of scientific study, in part due to a stark dichotomy in the limited fatty acid (FA) composition of cellular membrane lipids vs the huge diversity of FAs that can accumulate in triacylglycerols (TAGs), the main component of seed storage oils. With few exceptions, the strict chemical, structural, and biophysical roles imposed on membrane lipids since the dawn of life have constrained their FA composition to predominantly lengths of 16–18 carbons and containing 0–3 methylene-interrupted carbon-carbon double bonds in cis-configuration. However, over 450 “unusual” FA structures can be found in seed oils of different plants, and we are just beginning to understand the metabolic mechanisms required to produce and maintain this dichotomy. Here we review the current state of plant lipid research, specifically addressing the knowledge gaps in membrane and storage lipid synthesis from 3 angles: pathway fluxes including newly discovered TAG remodeling, key acyltransferase substrate selectivities, and the possible roles of “metabolons.”

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0023142
OSTI ID:
2514513
Journal Information:
Plant Physiology (Bethesda), Journal Name: Plant Physiology (Bethesda) Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 197; ISSN 0032-0889
Publisher:
Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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