Enhanced isoflavone biosynthesis in transgenic cowpea (Vigna unguiculata l.) callus

Enhanced isoflavone biosynthesis in transgenic cowpea (Vigna unguiculata l.) callus

2012

E05642

Dietary consumption of isoflavones, secondary metabolites produced by higher plants, has been associated with protection against a broad range of human diseases. Metabolic engineering for production of isoflavones in cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. may provide the health benefits of the phytoestrogens to millions of people in developing countries such as Africa and India, where it is used as a staple crop. Cowpea is a nutritional powerhouse, packing substantial amounts of proteins and carbohydrates, but the isoflavone content is negligible. To increase the isoflavone levels, the henylpropanoid pathway in cowpea was modified by introducing a soybean isoflavone synthase gene\n with its native promoter, which resulted in an overall increase in total isoflavone levels in transgenic callus, with higher daidzein levels than genistein, substantially more than control lines. In addition, conjugated forms of isoflavones such as daidzin, malonyldaidzin, genistin, malonylgenistin, and an O-methylated form of liquiritigenin (glycitein) were also formed.

3(1):1-8, PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY

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