Science· 2026Q1
The genetic basis for the production of toxic quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins
- 1citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Researchers have elucidated the complete 15-step genetic pathway for toxic quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) production in narrow-leafed lupins (L. angustifolius), identifying key enzymes and engineering a low-alkaloid line.
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Key points
- The complete 15-step genetic pathway for quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) biosynthesis in narrow-leafed lupins (L. angustifolius) has been elucidated.
- Major latex protein-like proteins accelerate spontaneous chemical equilibria, and an oxidoreductase-like protein ensures stereoselectivity in QA production.
- A new low-alkaloid L. angustifolius line was engineered, and the causal mutation was identified in a low-alkaloid L. albus line.
- This work provides the genetic and biochemical basis for toxic QA production in lupins.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Lupins ( Lupinus spp.) are promising protein crops that accumulate bitter and toxic quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs). The effective removal of QAs through new breeding technologies is hampered by a poor understanding of their biosynthesis. In this study, we used pathway reconstruction and mutant analysis to elucidate the full QA pathway in L. angustifolius [narrow-leafed lupin (NLL)] comprising 15 enzymatic steps. Major latex protein–like proteins play a prominent role in the pathway by accelerating spontaneous chemical equilibria, and an oxidoreductase-like protein ensures stereoselectivity. We also engineered a new low-alkaloid NLL line and identified the causal mutation in an existing low-alkaloid line of L. albus. Our work reveals the genetic and biochemical basis of toxic QA production and streamlines the de novo domestication of wild lupins and other QA-containing legumes.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and SystematicsAgricultural and Biological Sciences