Characterizing High Linolenic Acid Soybeans

ABSTRACT Polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acid (PUFAs) linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential part of human diet and serve as precursors to arachidonic acid (ARA), stearidonic (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA, EPA and DHA are important for immune response and overall human health, and a deficiency of these FAs has been linked to depression, cognitive disorders, and mental illness. Humans and animals do not have the necessary enzymes to convert synthesize ALA and must derive them from their diet. The overall goal of this research project is to characterize the recently developed high ALA accumulating soybean that synthesize ALA in a seed specific manner. This high ALA germplasm will facilitate developing soybeans with high levels of SDA, EPA and DHA, which are derived from ALA. The specific objectives are to assay levels of protein, oil, and levels of ARA, SDA, and EPA in the transgenic high ALA soybean. The proposed research will develop soybean plants that accumulate higher amounts of ALA/ARA/EPA/DHA FAs in their oil and also produce increased oil. This will improve the quality of soyfeed used in the aquaculture industry and for human consumption.