?-N-Oxalyl-l-?,?-diaminopropionic Acid (?-ODAP) Content in Lathyrus sativus: The Integration of Nitrogen and Sulfur Metabolism through ?-Cyanoalanine Synthase.

ABSTRACT: Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important legume crop grown mainly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This underutilized legume can withstand harsh environmental conditions including drought and flooding. During drought-induced famines, this protein-rich legume serves as a food source for poor farmers when other crops fail under harsh environmental conditions; however, its use is limited because of the presence of an endogenous neurotoxic nonprotein amino acid ?-N-oxalyl-l-?,?-diaminopropionic acid (?-ODAP). Long-term consumption of Lathyrus and ?-ODAP is linked to lathyrism, which is a degenerative motor neuron syndrome. Pharmacological studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in methionine and cysteine may aggravate the neurotoxicity of ?-ODAP. The biosynthetic pathway leading to the production of ?-ODAP is poorly understood, but is linked to sulfur metabolism. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in grass pea on the sulfur assimilatory enzymes and how these enzymes regulate the biosynthesis of ?-ODAP. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of sulfur metabolism in grass pea and its contribution to ?-ODAP biosynthesis. Unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of ?-ODAP biosynthesis in grass pea will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume.

SUBMITTER: Xu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5372542 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature