Targeted expression of HvHMA2 increases the mineral content of the inner endosperm in barley.
Cereals are a major source of dietary energy and protein but are nutritionally poor in micronutrients. Zinc (Zn) biofortification of staple crops has been proposed as a promising strategy to combat the global challenge of human Zn-deficiency. The aim of this study was to improve the Zn content in the edible part of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain by enhancing Zn translocation into the developing seeds. We demonstrate that the barley plasma membrane P-type ATPase Zn transporter, HvHMA2 is an efficient candidate for mineral biofortification of crops. Following a cisgenic approach to produce transgenic homozygous barley line over-expressing HvHMA2 in the transfer cells of the grain, resulted in a doubling of a wide range of nutrients including Zn, iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) in the inner endosperm. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Shahin
S
Noeparvar
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark. behroozdarbani@gmail.com.
Behrooz
B
Darbani
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Birgitte
B
Tauris
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Søren
S
Husted
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Daniel P
DP
Persson
Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Rebecca F
RF
Mills
Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Lorraine E
LE
William
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Eva
E
Vincze
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Inger
I
Holme
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Denmark. soren.borg@mbg.au.dk.
Søren
S
Borg
Barley; Biofortification; HMA2; Mineral; P1B-Type heavy metal ATPases; Zinc