Biofortification: John Innes researchers tap into iron transporter gene in wheat

16 Dec 2021 --- John Innes Centre researchers are seeking consent to conduct a field trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat based on the TaVIT2 gene, which encodes an iron transporter in the crop.

The move comes as deficiencies in mineral micronutrients iron and zinc continue to be a global health issue. The iron content of staple crops such as wheat has been challenging to improve using conventional breeding; therefore, many wheat products have been artificially fortified with iron.

The information gathered by the researchers about the identified gene was used to develop a wheat line where more iron is transported into the endosperm, the section of grain from which white flour is milled.

The greenhouse-grown plants from these wheat varieties have more iron and zinc in the grain. The micronutrients are potentially more bio-accessible for absorption into the human gut.

According to the researchers, this kind of biofortification is “a sustainable approach to alleviating micronutrient deficiencies in people and increasing the nutritional value of crops.”

Threshing iron and zinc deficienciesThe micronutrients are potentially more bio-accessible for absorption into the human gut.
Field trials in 2019 and 2021 of GM high-iron wheat demonstrated that the iron content is equally pronounced in white flour from field-grown wheat grain as in greenhouse-grown plants. 

Based on success there, the researchers use information about small molecules that help long-distance transport of iron and zinc in the plants to develop a second-generation wheat line.

The greenhouse-grown plants from these wheat varieties have more iron and zinc in the grain. The micronutrients are potentially more bio-accessible for absorption into the human gut.

Environmental Protection Act to be consulted
The researchers have applied to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for consent to conduct the small-scale field trial, which will take place in confined GM trial facilities at Bawburgh from the March-to-August period from 2022 to 2024.

The application, led by Professor Cristobal Uauy, allows the researchers to grow second-generation high-iron wheat plants in the field.  

The application is made under section 111 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and will be considered by the Secretary of State and include representations relating to environmental impact risks.  

The Secretary of State will place information on the proposed GMO release on a public register within 12 days of receipt.

Edited by Inga de Jong