Researchers are working on the complete sequencing of the carrot genome, discovering a gene responsible for the accumulation of carotene, pigments with health benefits.
Found in carrots, carotene is a pigment known to give flamingos their very specific color. But above all, it is a major source of vitamin A, essential for the proper functioning of our body, especially vision. It is also a beneficial antioxidant for health. And as such, researchers have just made an interesting discovery.
American scientists who have been busy sequencing the entire carrot genome have discovered a gene responsible for the accumulation of carotene, according to a study published Monday in the journal Nature Genetics. “We have discovered a gene which conditions the accumulation of carotenoid pigments in carrot roots”, announced to Agence France Presse (AFP) Philipp Simon of the University of Wisconsin in Madison (United States), co-author of the study.
Vegetables with improved nutritional value soon
In this work, the authors explain that the treatment of vitamin A deficiency is a global public health issue. The development of sustainable sources of vitamin A is therefore, for them, one of the objectives of crop optimization.
“Advances in genome sequencing technologies will allow scientists to develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables with improved nutritional value,” says Philipp Simon.
After identifying a gene and its associated function, researchers can ensure its presence in future generations and thus accelerate classical selection by choosing the “good descendants”, he adds.
Towards a modification of the genes of other vegetables
“Marker-assisted selection will be one of the most important uses of carrot genome sequencing,” explains this researcher.
This technique differs from that of GMOs, where a gene from another species is inserted into the genome of the target species, an exchange which cannot be done naturally. Moreover, “currently, there are no GMO carrots on the world market”, underlines Philipp Simon.
The latter indicates that their discovery could also make it possible to work on a modification of the genes for other vegetables “thanks to the techniques of genome editing”. Philipp Simon mentions in particular cassava. “Similar genetic mutations have allowed certain fruits (pumpkin and pumpkin, apricot …), during their evolution, to be able to accumulate these pigments so there may be an application beyond root vegetables”, concludes the researcher. .
Risk of deficiency and excess intake
Decreased visual acuity, especially in twilight light (night vision), is one of the first noticeable signs of vitamin A deficiency in humans. Vitamin A deficiency does not appear to exist in industrialized countries, unlike major public health problems it poses in developing countries. However, in vulnerable groups (children and the elderly), the consequences of moderate vitamin A deficiency, particularly in relation to infectious conditions, may be of concern.
Great caution is especially recommended in the event of pregnancy or the desire to become pregnant. Indeed, excess vitamin A is associated with birth defects. Pregnant women should not consume liver on a regular basis, as this food contains large amounts of readily available vitamin A. On the other hand, food intakes of provitamin A (colored fruits and vegetables) are safe, even during pregnancy.
High intakes (greater than 1500 µg of RE per day) increase the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women.
.