ß-N-Oxalyl-l-α,ß-diaminopropionic Acid (ß-ODAP) Content in Lathyrus sativus: The Integration of Nitrogen and Sulfur Metabolism through ß-Cyanoalanine Synthase.
Int J Mol Sci
; 18(3)2017 Feb 28.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28264526
ABSTRACT
Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important legume crop grown mainly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This underutilized legume can withstand harsh environmental conditions including drought and flooding. During drought-induced famines, this protein-rich legume serves as a food source for poor farmers when other crops fail under harsh environmental conditions; however, its use is limited because of the presence of an endogenous neurotoxic nonprotein amino acid ß-N-oxalyl-l-α,ß-diaminopropionic acid (ß-ODAP). Long-term consumption of Lathyrus and ß-ODAP is linked to lathyrism, which is a degenerative motor neuron syndrome. Pharmacological studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in methionine and cysteine may aggravate the neurotoxicity of ß-ODAP. The biosynthetic pathway leading to the production of ß-ODAP is poorly understood, but is linked to sulfur metabolism. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in grass pea on the sulfur assimilatory enzymes and how these enzymes regulate the biosynthesis of ß-ODAP. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of sulfur metabolism in grass pea and its contribution to ß-ODAP biosynthesis. Unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of ß-ODAP biosynthesis in grass pea will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Lathyrus
/
Aminoácidos Diaminos
Idioma:
En
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article