Genetic analysis of provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin concentration and relationship with other carotenoids in maize grain (Zea mays L.)
Provitamin A carotenoids are converted into retinol in the human body and are targets for biofortification of staple crops
Abstract
Provitamin A (proVA) carotenoids are converted into retinol (vitamin A) in the human body, are the subject of human nutrition studies, and are targets for biofortification of staple crops. β-Carotene has been the principal target for enhancing levels of proVA. There is recent interest in enhancing the proVA carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin since it has excellent bioavailability, and in maize may be nearly as effective as β-carotene in providing retinol to humans.
This study was designed to enhance our understanding of the genetic control of: levels of β-cryptoxanthin, conversion of β-carotene into β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, conversion of β-cryptoxanthin into zeaxanthin, and flux into and within the β-branch of carotenoid pathway. A biparental population derived from 2 inbreds with relatively high levels of β-cryptoxanthin and different ratios of β-carotene to β-cryptoxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin to zeaxanthin was studied.
This work is an output of the HarvestPlus Programme. The Department for International Development is one of the main donors for HarvestPlus.
Citation
Venado, Rafael E., Brenda F. Owens, Darwin Ortiz, Tyler Lawson, Maria Mateos-Hernandez, Mario G. Ferruzzi, and Torbert R. Rocheford. 2017. “Genetic analysis of provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin concentration and relationship with other carotenoids in maize grain (Zea mays L.)” Molecular Breeding 37 (2017): 127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-017-0723-8.