seed-oil
Seed oils are lipid-rich compounds extracted from plant seeds, primarily composed of triglycerides, that serve as energy reserves for germination and early seedling development. Understanding the biosynthesis and regulation of seed oils is a central focus of plant science, as it informs efforts to improve oil yield, fatty acid composition, and nutritional quality in oilseed crops. Research in this area also sheds light on fundamental metabolic pathways governing carbon allocation and lipid storage in plants.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-06
Scientists identified a gene in rapeseed (canola) that controls how much oil the plant stores in its seeds. By editing this gene using CRISPR and studying natural genetic variations, they found a specific gene version that significantly boosts seed oil content — a key step toward breeding higher-yielding canola crops.
CRISPR knockout of BnaCIPK9 homoeologs reduced seed oil content in a dosage-dependent manner, confirming these genes collectively regulate oil accumulation.
The haplotype hap.qCIPK9.A10.0 on chromosome A10 was identified as a superior natural variant strongly associated with elevated seed oil content.
Population genomic analysis showed intensified selection on the chromosome A10 copy of CIPK9, indicating it has been a target of adaptive evolution in the Brassica lineage.
