Potassium attenuates drought damage by regulating sucrose metabolism and gene expression in sesame leaf.

Drought has been considered the most restrictive environmental constraint on agricultural production worldwide. Photosynthetic carbohydrate metabolism is a critical biochemical process connected with crop production and quality traits. A pot experiment was carried out under four potassium (K) rates (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 g pot-1 of K, respectively) and two water regimes to investigate the role of K in activating defense mechanisms on sucrose metabolism against drought damage in sesame. The soil moisture contents are 75 ± 5% (well-watered, WW) and 45 ± 5% (drought stress, DS) of field capacity respectively. The results showed that DS plants without K application have lower activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), soluble acid invertase (SAI), and chlorophyll content and higher activity of sucrose synthase (SuSy), which resulted in declined synthesis and distribution of photosynthetic products to reproductive organs. Under drought, there was a significant positive correlation between leaf sucrose metabolizing enzymes and sucrose content. Plants subjected to drought stress increased the concentrations of soluble sugar and sucrose to produce osmo-protectants and energy sources for plants acclimating to stress but decreased starch content. Conversely, K application enhanced the carbohydrate metabolism, biomass accumulation and partitioning, thereby contributing to higher seed oil and protein yield (28.8%-43.4% and 27.5%-40.7%) as compared to K-deficiency plants. The positive impacts of K application enhanced as increasing K rates, and it was more pronounced in drought conditions. Furthermore, K application upregulated the gene expression of SiMYB57, SiMYB155, SiMYB176 and SiMYB192 while downregulated SiMYB108 and SiMYB171 in drought conditions, which may help to alleviate drought susceptibility. Conclusively, our study illustrated that the enhanced photo-assimilation and translocation process caused by the changes in sucrose metabolism activities under K application as well as regulation of MYB gene expression contributes towards drought resistance of sesame.

Analysis of genes specific to the early maturation stage of Sesamum indicum seeds by subtraction method*,*.

The mechanisms regulating the content ratio of unsaturated fatty acid in sesame oil need to be clarified in order to breed novel varieties with high contents of unsaturated fatty acids. Full-length cDNA libraries prepared from sesame seeds 1 to 3 weeks after flowering were subtracted with cDNAs from plantlets of 4 weeks after germination. A total of 1545 cDNA clones was sequenced. The functions of novel genes expressed specifically during the early maturation of sesame seeds were investigated by the transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Thirteen genes for a transcription factor were identified, four of which were involved in ethylene signaling. Fifty-nine genes, including those for the aquaporin-like protein and ethylene response factor, were analyzed by overexpression in A. thaliana. The overexpression of novel genes and the aquaporin-like protein gene in A. thaliana increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids. The localization of these products was investigated by the induction of the expression vectors for the GFP fusion protein into onion epidermal cells and sesame root cells with a particle gun. As a result, two cDNA clones were identified as good candidate genes to clarify the regulation in the yield and the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids in sesame seeds. Sein60414 (Accession No. LC603128), an intrinsic membrane protein, may be involved in the increase of unsaturated fatty acids, and Sein61074 (Accession No. LC709278) MAP3K δ-1 protein kinase in the regulation of the total ratio of unsaturated fatty acids in sesame seeds.

Integrated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomics analyses reveal the underlying mechanisms of high nitrogen use efficiency of black sesame.

Cultivating high nitrogen use efficient varieties is a sustainable solution to mitigating adverse effects on the environment caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application. However, in sesame, although immoderate nitrogen fertilizers are used to promote yield, the molecular basis of high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is largely unknown. Hence, this study aimed to identify high NUE black sesame variety and dissect the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. To achieve this, seventeen seedling traits of 30 black sesame varieties were evaluated under low nitrogen (LN) and high nitrogen (HN) conditions. Dry matter accumulation, root parameters, shoot nitrogen accumulation, and chlorophyll content are important factors for evaluating the NUE of sesame genotypes. The variety 17-156 was identified as the most efficient for N utilization. Comparative physiological and transcriptomics analyses revealed that 17-156 possesses a sophisticated nitrogen metabolizing machinery to uptake and assimilate higher quantities of inorganic nitrogen into amino acids and proteins, and simultaneously improving carbon metabolism and growth. Specifically, the total nitrogen and soluble protein contents significantly increased with the increase in nitrogen concentrations. Many important genes, including nitrate transporters (NPFs), amino acid metabolism-related (GS, GOGAT, GDH, etc.), phytohormone-related, and transcription factors, were significantly up-regulated in 17-156 under HN condition. In addition, 38 potential candidate genes were identified for future studies toward improving sesame's NUE. These findings offer valuable resources for deciphering the regulatory network of nitrogen metabolism and developing sesame cultivars with improved NUE.

Genomic evolution and insights into agronomic trait innovations of Sesamum species.

Sesame is an ancient oilseed crop with high oil content and quality. However, the evolutionary history and genetic mechanisms of its valuable agronomic traits remain unclear. Here, we report chromosome-scale genomes of cultivated sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and six wild Sesamum species, representing all three karyotypes within this genus. Karyotyping and genome-based phylogenic analysis revealed the evolutionary route of Sesamum species from n = 13 to n = 16 and revealed that allotetraploidization occurred in the wild species Sesamum radiatum. Early divergence of the Sesamum genus (48.5-19.7 million years ago) during the Tertiary period and its ancient phylogenic position within eudicots were observed. Pan-genome analysis revealed 9164 core gene families in the 7 Sesamum species. These families are significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways, including fatty acid (FA) metabolism and FA biosynthesis. Structural variations in SiPT1 and SiDT1 within the phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein gene family lead to the genomic evolution of plant-architecture and inflorescence-development phenotypes in Sesamum. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of an interspecific population and genome comparisons revealed a long terminal repeat insertion and a sequence deletion in DIR genes of wild Sesamum angustifolium and cultivated sesame, respectively; both variations independently cause high susceptibility to Fusarium wilt disease. A GWAS of 560 sesame accessions combined with an overexpression study confirmed that the NAC1 and PPO genes play an important role in upregulating oil content of sesame. Our study provides high-quality genomic resources for cultivated and wild Sesamum species and insights that can improve molecular breeding strategies for sesame and other oilseed crops.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the trihelix transcription factor family in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under abiotic stress.

BACKGROUND: The plant trihelix gene family is among the earliest discovered transcription factor families, and it is vital in modulating light, plant growth, and stress responses. METHODS: The identification and characterization of trihelix family members in the sesame genome were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression patterns of sesame trihelix genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: There were 34 trihelix genes discovered in the genome of sesame, which were irregularly distributed among 10 linkage groups. Also, the genome contained 5 duplicate gene pairs. The 34 trihelix genes were divided into six sub-families through a phylogenetic study. A tissue-specific expression revealed that SiTH genes exhibited spatial expression patterns distinct from other trihelix genes in the same subfamily. The cis-element showed that the SiTHs gene promoter contained various elements associated with responses to hormones and multiple abiotic stresses. Additionally, the expression patterns of 8 SiTH genes in leaves under abiotic stresses demonstrated that all selected genes were significantly upregulated or downregulated at least once in the stress period. Furthermore, the SiTH4 gene was significantly induced in response to drought and salt stress, showing that SiTH genes may be engaged in the stress response mechanisms of sesame. CONCLUSION: These findings establish a foundation for further investigation of the trihelix gene-mediated response to abiotic stress in sesame.

Evaluation of Steaming and Drying of Black Sesame Seeds for Nine Cycles Using Grey-Correlation Analysis Based on Variation-Coefficient Weight.

This study aimed to improve the steaming process of black sesame seeds. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted using the grey-correlation method based on the variation-coefficient weight to observe the treatments of normal-pressure (NPS) and high-pressure (HPS) steaming (with/without soaking in water) for nine cycles. Their effects on the contents of water, protein, fat, ash, melanin, sesamin, and sesamolin of black sesame seeds, as well as the sensory score of the black sesame pill, were determined. We found that with varied steaming methods and increased steaming cycles, the contents of the nutritional and functional components of black sesame seeds and the sensory score of the black sesame pill differed. The results of the variation-coefficient method showed that water, protein, fat, ash, melanin, sesamin, sesamolin, and sensory score had different effects on the quality of black sesame seeds with weighting factors of 34.4%, 5.3%, 12.5%, 11.3%, 13.9%, 11.3%, 7.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. The results of two-factor analysis of variance without repeated observations indicated that the grey-correlation degree of HPS was the largest among the different steaming treatments, and the following sequence was HPS after soaking in water (SNPS), NPS, and SNPS. There was no significant difference between NPS and SNPS (p < 0.05). Moreover, with increased cycles, the value of the grey-correlation degree increased. The comprehensive score of the procedure repeated nine times was significantly higher than other cycles (p < 0.05). The results of the grey-correlation degree and grade analysis showed that the best steaming process of black sesame seeds was HPS for nine cycles, followed by HPS for eight cycles and NPS after soaking in water (SNPS) for nine cycles. These findings could provide a scientific basis for replacing SNPS with HPS to simplify steaming and realize the parametric steaming of black sesame seeds, and thus, ensure the quality of black-sesame products.

Effect of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) consumption on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Conflicting evidence exists on the effect of sesame consumption on glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, this meta-analysis focuses on the relationship between sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) intervention and glycemic control in patients with T2D. Published literature was retrieved and screened from PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2022. Outcome measures included fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations, fasting insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) percentage. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight clinical trials (395 participants) were eligible for meta-analyses. Overall, sesame consumption significantly reduced serum FBS (WMD: -28.61 mg/dL, 95% CI: -36.07 to -21.16, p˂0.001; I2 = 98.3%) and HbA1c percentage (WMD: -0.99%, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.76, p ≤ 0.001; I2 = 65.1%) in patients with T2D. However, sesame consumption did not significantly influence fasting insulin levels (Hedges's: 2.29, 95% CI: -0.06 to 4.63, p = 0.06; I2 = 98.1%). In summary, the current meta-analysis showed a promising effect of sesame consumption on glycemic control through reducing FBS and HbA1c, yet additional prospective studies are recommended, using higher doses and longer intervention period, to confirm the impact of sesame consumption on insulin levels in T2D patients.

Omics technologies towards sesame improvement: a review.

Genetic improvement of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), one of the most important oilseed crops providing edible oil, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, is important to ensure a balanced diet for the growing world population. Increasing yield, seed protein, oil, minerals, and vitamins is urgently needed to meet the global demand. The production and productivity of sesame is very low due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, various efforts have been made to combat these constraints and increase the production and productivity of sesame through conventional breeding. However, less attention has been paid to the genetic improvement of the crop through modern biotechnological methods, leaving it lagging behind other oilseed crops. Recently, however, the scenario has changed as sesame research has entered the era of "omics" and has made significant progress. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the progress made by omics research in improving sesame. This review presents a number of efforts that have been made over past decade using omics technologies to improve various traits of sesame, including seed composition, yield, and biotic and abiotic resistant varieties. It summarizes the advances in genetic improvement of sesame using omics technologies, such as germplasm development (web-based functional databases and germplasm resources), gene discovery (molecular markers and genetic linkage map construction), proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics that have been carried out in the last decade. In conclusion, this review highlights future directions that may be important for omics-assisted breeding in sesame genetic improvement.

Molecular Identification of UDP-Sugar-Dependent Glycosyltransferase and Acyltransferase Involved in the Phenylethanoid Glycoside Biosynthesis Induced by Methyl Jasmonate in Sesamum indicum L.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) plants contain large amounts of acteoside, a typical phenylethanoid glycoside (PhG) that exhibits various pharmacological activities. Although there is increasing interest in the biosynthesis of PhGs for improved production, the pathway remains to be clarified. In this study, we established sesame-cultured cells and performed transcriptome analysis of methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-treated cultured cells to identify enzyme genes responsible for glucosylation and acylation in acteoside biosynthesis. Among the genes annotated as UDP-sugar-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) and acyltransferase (AT), 34 genes and one gene, respectively, were upregulated by MeJA in accordance with acteoside accumulation. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, five UGT genes (SiUGT1-5) and one AT gene (SiAT1) were selected as candidate genes involved in acteoside biosynthesis. Additionally, two AT genes (SiAT2-3) were selected based on sequence identity. Enzyme assays using recombinant SiUGT proteins revealed that SiUGT1, namely, UGT85AF10, had the highest glucosyltransferase activity among the five candidates against hydroxytyrosol to produce hydroxytyrosol 1-O-glucoside. SiUGT1 also exhibited glucosyltransferase activity against tyrosol to produce salidroside (tyrosol 1-O-glucoside). SiUGT2, namely, UGT85AF11, had similar activity against hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. Enzyme assay using the recombinant SiATs indicated that SiAT1 and SiAT2 had activity transferring the caffeoyl group to hydroxytyrosol 1-O-glucoside and salidroside (tyrosol 1-O-glucoside) but not to decaffeoyl-acteoside. The caffeoyl group was attached mainly at the 4-position of glucose of hydroxytyrosol 1-O-glucoside, followed by attachment at the 6-position and the 3-position of glucose. Based on our results, we propose an acteoside biosynthetic pathway induced by MeJA treatment in sesame.

Integrating transcriptome and phytohormones analysis provided insights into plant height development in sesame.

Plant height is a key agronomic trait influencing crops yield. The height of sesame plants is important for yield performance, lodging resistance and plant architecture. Although plant height is significantly distinct among sesame varieties, the genetic basis of plant height remains largely unknown. In this study, in order to tackle genetic insights into the sesame plant height development, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was conducted using the stem tips from two sesame varieties with distinct plant height, Zhongzhi13 and ZZM2748, at five time points by BGI MGIseq2000 sequencing platform. A total of 16,952 genes were differentially expressed between Zhongzhi13 and ZZM2748 at five time points. KEGG and MapMan enrichment analyses and quantitative analysis of phytohormones indicated that hormones biosynthesis and signaling pathways were associated with sesame plant height development. Plenty of candidate genes involved in biosynthesis and signaling of brassinosteroid (BR), cytokinin (CK) and gibberellin (GA) which were major differential hormones between two varieties were identified, suggesting their critical roles in plant height regulation. WGCNA revealed a module which was significantly positively associated with the plant height trait and founded SiSCL9 was the hub gene involved in plant height development in our network. Further overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis validated the function of SiSCL9 in the increase of plant height by 26.86%. Collectively, these results increase our understanding of the regulatory network controlling the development of plant height and provide a valuable genetic resource for improvement of plant architecture in sesame.

Stable In-Planta Transformation System For Egyptian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cv. Sohag 1.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oil crop and one of the oldest-known oil crops to humankind. Sesame has excellent nutritional and therapeutic properties; it is rich in important fatty acids, protein, fiber, and vital minerals. Oil percentage varies among different genotypes but generally accounts for more than 50% of the seed's dry weight. To meet the increasing demand for vegetable oil production worldwide, expanding the cultivation of oil crops in newly reclaimed areas worldwide is essential. Molecular breeding is an expeditious approach for varietal improvement but requires efficient transgenesis. Published sesame transformation methods are highly genus-specific, tedious, and involve preparing and testing different media and explants. We produced transgenic sesame plants using a stable, noninvasive, and robust Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation method. Leaves and flowers excised from the T0 plants at different developmental stages were PCR screened, and 61/93 seedlings were found to be PCR positive. T1 seeds resulting from two lines were germinated in a biocontainment greenhouse facility and screened using PCR, basta leaf painting, and spraying fully matured plants with basta herbicide (0.02 mg/l); non-transgenic segregants and control non-transgenic plants were severely damaged, and eventually died, while transgenic plants were not affected by the Basta spraying. RT-PCR on T1 plants indicated the presence of Bar transcripts in T1 progeny. Furthermore, RT-PCR using NPTII primers did not result in any amplification in transgenic sesame plants (NPTII is present in the vector but not in the T-DNA region) indicating that the transgenic sesame plants were not an Agrobacterium-contaminant.

Resequencing of 410 Sesame Accessions Identifies SINST1 as the Major Underlying Gene for Lignans Variation.

Sesame is a promising oilseed crop that produces specific lignans of clinical importance. Hence, a molecular description of the regulatory mechanisms of lignan biosynthesis is essential for crop improvement. Here, we resequence 410 sesame accessions and identify 5.38 and 1.16 million SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and InDels, respectively. Population genomic analyses reveal that sesame has evolved a geographic pattern categorized into northern (NC), middle (MC), and southern (SC) groups, with potential origin in the southern region and subsequent introduction to the other regions. Selective sweeps analysis uncovers 120 and 75 significant selected genomic regions in MC and NC groups, respectively. By screening these genomic regions, we unveiled 184 common genes positively selected in these subpopulations for exploitation in sesame improvement. Genome-wide association study identifies 17 and 72 SNP loci for sesamin and sesamolin variation, respectively, and 11 candidate causative genes. The major pleiotropic SNPC/A locus for lignans variation is located in the exon of the gene SiNST1. Further analyses revealed that this locus was positively selected in higher lignan content sesame accessions, and the "C" allele is favorable for a higher accumulation of lignans. Overexpression of SiNST1C in sesame hairy roots significantly up-regulated the expression of SiMYB58, SiMYB209, SiMYB134, SiMYB276, and most of the monolignol biosynthetic genes. Consequently, the lignans content was significantly increased, and the lignin content was slightly increased. Our findings provide insights into lignans and lignin regulation in sesame and will facilitate molecular breeding of elite varieties and marker-traits association studies.

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Sesame Preparations and its Bioactive Ingredients in Management of Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to appraise and recapitulate all research investigations to elucidate the effects of Sesamum indicum preparations on managing the cardiometabolic syndrome of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A systematic review was carried out in a Cochrane fashion and in compliance with the PRISMA checklist using the published academic works in PubMed/MEDLINE, WOS, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases that were searched up to June 2021. Abstracts that met PICO criteria for qualitative studies were duplicate reviewed for data extraction to assess the quality and details of the study. RESULTS: Sesamum indicum preparations and its bioactive lignans, such as sesamin, sesamol, and pinoresinol, were found to possess anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects both in patients with T2DM as well as in experimental animal models with T1DM and MetS. The incorporation of sesame oil as a natural adjuvant can be effective in improving vascular reactivity and aortic permeability, reproductive parameters, and diabetic nephropathy, as well as modification of anthropometry indices. Therefore, sesame oil and bioactive lignans as combination therapy with drugs can exhibit synergistic effects and provide a favorable preference in clinical settings. CONCLUSION: Sesame oil and lignans present in it act in a dose-dependent manner. The best dosage to improve risk biomarkers of patients with T2DM and MetS is 30-35 ml daily of sesame oil or inclusion of sesame oil in daily dietary patterns up to 30% of total energy for 8-12 weeks and/or 200 mg daily of sesamin supplementation for eight weeks.

The wild allotetraploid sesame genome provides novel insights into evolution and lignan biosynthesis.

INTRODUCTION: The wild tetraploid sesame (Sesamum schinzianum), an ancestral relative of diploid cultivated sesame, grows in the tropical desert of the African Plateau. As a valuable seed resource, wild sesame has several advantageous traits, such as strong environmental adaptability and an extremely high content of sesamolin in its seeds. High-quality genome assembly is essential for a detailed understanding of genome structure, genome evolution and crop improvement. OBJECTIVES: Here, we generated two high-quality chromosome-scale genomes from S. schinzianum and a cultivated diploid elite sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to investigate the potential genetic basis underlying these traits of wild sesame. METHODS: The long-read data from PacBio Sequel II platform and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data were used to construct high-quality sesame genome. Then dissecting the molecular mechanisms of sesame evolution and lignan biosynthesis through comparative genomics and transcriptomics. RESULTS: We found evidence of divergent evolution that involved differences in the number, sequence and expression level of homologous genes between the two sets of subgenomes from allotetraploids in S. schinzianum, all of which might be driven by subfunctionalization after polyploidization. Furthermore, it was found that a great number of genes involved in the stress response have undergone positive selection and resulted from gene family expansion in the wild sesame genome compared with the cultivated sesame genome, which, overall, is associated with adaptative evolution to the environment. We hypothesized that the sole functional member CYP92B14 (SscC22g35272) could be associated with high content of sesamolin in wild sesame seeds. CONCLUSION: This study provides high-quality wild allotetraploid sesame and cultivated sesame genomes, reveals evolutionary features of the allotetraploid genome and provides novel insights into lignan synthesis pathways. Meanwhile, the wild sesame genome will be an important resource to conduct comparative genomic and evolutionary studies and plant improvement programmes.

A novel wrinkled-leaf sesame mutant as a potential edible leafy vegetable rich in nutrients.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an ancient and globally important oil crop in the tropic and subtropic areas. Apart from being a good source of high-quality oil, sesame also represents a new source of edible leafy vegetables. However, data regarding the nutritional composition of the sesame leaves, especially their phytonutrient composition, are scarce. Previously we have developed a sesame mutant JQA with curly, wide, and thick leaves that are potentially used as a vegetable. The objective of this work was to gauge the nutrient contents in leaves of the JQA mutant by colorimetry methods. The sesame mutant JQA and its wild-type counterpart JQB were grown in the field, and leaf samples were collected at the flowering stage. Results showed that the sesame wrinkled leaves of JQA are a rich source of crude oil (5.33-6.38%), crude protein (3.14%), amino acids (> 18.6 mg/g), crude fiber (> 0.36%), cellulose or hemicellulose (> 21.4 mg/g), sugars (> 12.5 mg/g), vitamins, and flavones (> 63.2 mg/g). The wrinkled sesame leaves were high in unsaturated acid (32.0 mg/g), calcium (18.5 mg/g), potassium (16.1 mg/g), as well as vitamin B6 (24.5 mg/g), B2 (14.4 mg/g), C (1.7 mg/g) and D (1.3 mg/g) compared to other common green leafy vegetables. The fresh leaves had a mean total flavone content of 65.7 mg/g and can be consumed as fresh vegetables or preserved in a dry state. Collectively, the nutritional composition of the wrinkled leaf mutant JQA was ideal and thus had high RDIs (recommended daily intakes), suggesting that the wrinkled leaves are a rich source of nutrients and therefore suitable to be consumed as a new edible green vegetable.

Genome-wide association analysis and transcriptome reveal novel loci and a candidate regulatory gene of fatty acid biosynthesis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

The regulatory mechanisms of fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis and triacylglycerols (TAGs) assembly remain largely misunderstood in sesame. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the natural variation in FA compositions and oil content (OC) in 400 sesame accessions grown in three different environments. The phenotypic data was associated with the newly released SNP data from whole-genome resequencing, and 43 significant loci for FA and OC were identified. Comparative transcriptomics analysis of high-OC and low-OC materials was performed, and 515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified across three seed developmental stages. By integrating the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and DEGs analysis, twenty candidate genes were identified, of which SiTPS1 (trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 1) has emerged as a key regulatory gene of FAs and TAGs metabolism in sesame. Overexpression of SiTPS1 in transgenic Arabidopsis influenced FA composition and significantly increased OC. Our study provides resources for the markers-based improvement of OC and quality in sesame and other crops.

Methylsulfonylmethane and Sesame Seed Oil Improve Dyslipidemia and Modulate Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Two Mouse Models of Diabetes.

The objective of this study was to identify alterations in lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism in both the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic (T1D) mouse and the mutant db/db type 2 diabetic (T2D) mouse to establish a biological signature for the evaluation of natural products with purported lipid-altering activity. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to nondiabetic group or STZ-induced diabetic groups (n = 10/group). STZ-induced diabetic mice and 6-week-old male db/db mice (n = 10/group) were randomized to the following groups: (1) diabetic control, no treatment, (2) methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) treatment, (3) sesame seed oil (SSO) treatment, and (4) MSM+SSO combination treatment. Clinical parameters measured included weights, blood glucose, serum lipid panels, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection of free fatty acids in serum, liver, brain, and eyes. Blood glucose significantly decreased after 4 weeks of MSM treatment in T1D mice. Serum PUFA levels were significantly reduced in T2D mice compared with control mice. In contrast, treatment with SSO reversed this effect in T2D mice, exhibiting serum PUFA levels comparable to control mice. Serum triglycerides were significantly increased in both diabetic models compared to nondiabetic control, mimicking diabetes in people. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly increased in T1D receiving MSM+SSO and all T2D treatment groups. A corresponding significant decrease in non-HDL cholesterol was seen in T2D mice in all treatment groups. MSM+SSO treatment's effects on HDL and non-HDL cholesterol and PUFA metabolism could lead to improved clinical outcomes in diabetics by improving the lipid profile.

Transgenic Forsythia plants expressing sesame cytochrome P450 produce beneficial lignans.

Lignans are widely distributed plant secondary metabolites that have received attention for their benefits to human health. Sesamin is a furofran lignan that is conventionally extracted from Sesamum seeds and shows anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the human liver. Sesamin is biosynthesized by the Sesamum-specific enzyme CYP81Q1, and the natural sources of sesamin are annual plants that are at risk from climate change. In contrast, Forsythia species are widely distributed perennial woody plants that highly accumulate the precursor lignan pinoresinol. To sustainably supply sesamin, we developed a transformation method for Forsythia leaf explants and generated transgenic Forsythia plants that heterologously expressed the CYP81Q1 gene. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and LC-mass spectrometry analyses detected sesamin and its intermediate piperitol in the leaves of two independent transgenic lines of F. intermedia and F. koreana. We also detected the accumulation of sesamin and piperitol in their vegetatively propagated descendants, demonstrating the stable and efficient production of these lignans. These results indicate that CYP81Q1-transgenic Forsythia plants are promising prototypes to produce diverse lignans and provide an important strategy for the cost-effective and scalable production of lignans.

The effect of hydrolyzed sesame meal protein on the quality and shelf life of hamburgers during refrigerated storage.

In this study, to improve the quality and shelf life of hamburgers, sesame meal protein hydrolysates (SPH) were produced using two enzymes of alcalase and flavourzyme and then four hamburger treatments: T1: control (10% soybean), T2: 1% SPH + soybean 9%, T3: 2% SPH + soybean 8%, and T4: 3% SPH + soybean 7% were prepared. Physicochemical properties were analyzed at the beginning of the storage period; microbial and chemical quality was evaluated at intervals of 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days. The results of SPH showed that alcalase enzyme can produce a SPH with a higher antioxidant properties (DPPH, FRAP, and beta-carotene-linoleic acid) (P < 0.05); therefore, this SPH was used for hamburger properties. According to the results, with the addition of SPH, moisture, fat, texture firmness decreased, protein, and brightness increased (P < 0.05), and all treatments had the allowable range. SPH replacement with soybean slowed down the increasing trend of oxidation and microbial spoilage (P < 0.05). In general, better results were observed in T3 and T4, which had a permissible range chemical and microbial index until the end of the storage period, as well as these treatments inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Only T3 was approved by the evaluators.

Genome-wide characterization and identification of candidate ERF genes involved in various abiotic stress responses in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

BACKGROUND: The adverse effects of climate change on crop production are constraining breeders to develop high-quality environmentally stable varieties. Hence, efforts are being made to identify key genes that could be targeted for enhancing crop tolerance to environmental stresses. ERF transcription factors play an important role in various abiotic stresses in plants. However, the roles of the ERF family in abiotic stresses tolerance are still largely unknown in sesame, the "queen" of oilseed crops. RESULTS: In total, 114 sesame ERF genes (SiERFs) were identified and characterized. 96.49% of the SiERFs were distributed unevenly on the 16 linkage groups of the sesame genome. The phylogenetic analysis with the Arabidopsis ERFs (AtERFs) subdivided SiERF subfamily proteins into 11 subgroups (Groups I to X; and VI-L). Genes in the same subgroup exhibited similar structure and conserved motifs. Evolutionary analysis showed that the expansion of ERF genes in sesame was mainly induced by whole-genome duplication events. Moreover, cis-acting elements analysis showed that SiERFs are mostly involved in environmental responses. Gene expression profiles analysis revealed that 59 and 26 SiERFs are highly stimulated under drought and waterlogging stress, respectively. In addition, qRT-PCR analyses indicated that most of SiERFs are also significantly up-regulated under osmotic, submerge, ABA, and ACC stresses. Among them, SiERF23 and SiERF54 were the most induced by both the abiotic stresses, suggesting their potential for targeted improvement of sesame response to multiple abiotic stresses. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, classification, evolution, and abiotic stresses response of ERF genes in sesame. Moreover, it offers valuable gene resources for functional characterization towards enhancing sesame tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses.