3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

This study aims to improve the nutritional quality of barley by increasing lysine content, an essential amino acid that is often limiting in cereals but is critical for human and livestock nutrition. The study combines CRISPR-based genome editing to reduce lysine catabolism and enhance biosynthesis with a breeding strategy to eliminate transgenes, ultimately generating non-GMO lines. In parallel, a cytonuclear multi-parent population was used to examine how interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes affect lysine accumulation. These lines share a common nuclear background but differ in cytoplasmic origin, allowing the dissection of cytonuclear effects on lysine metabolism. Free lysine and total free amino acid contents were quantified across diverse cytonuclear backgrounds, revealing genotype-dependent variation that is likely driven by metabolic coordination between nuclear-encoded enzymes and chloroplast- or mitochondria-associated processes. In addition, both free and protein-bound lysine are being evaluated to assess the overall improvement in seed nutritional quality. Beyond barley, this work provides a proof of concept for lysine-targeted biofortification in other cereal crops. By addressing amino acid deficiencies in plant-based diets, the project may contribute to global food security and sustainability through improved nutritional quality, reduced dependence on external protein sources, and enhanced agricultural efficiency.