Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 276-284 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 276 Research Insight Open Access Genetic Basis of Oil Content in Camellia Species YuejunWu Zhejiang Gongxiang Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 452707756@qq.com Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0030 Received: 19 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 28 Oct., 2024 Published: 12 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wu Y.J., 2024, Genetic basis of oil content in camellia species, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(6): 276-284 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0030) Abstract The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic basis of oil content in various Camellia species, with a particular focus on identifying key genes and genetic markers associated with oil biosynthesis and fatty acid composition. The study identified several significant genetic markers and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with oil content and quality in Camellia species. In Camellia oleifera, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion-deletion (InDel) markers within key fatty acid desaturase genes were found to be significantly associated with oil content and composition, explaining up to 17.93% of phenotypic variance. Transcriptomic analyses revealed critical genes involved in lipid metabolism and oil accumulation, such as stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2), which were differentially expressed during seed development. Additionally, integrative proteomic and transcriptomic analyses identified key metabolites and co-expressed genes involved in oil quality during seed ripenin4. Comparative studies between high- and low-oil cultivars highlighted the coordinated regulation of upstream and downstream genes essential for high oleic acid accumulation. The findings from this study provide valuable genetic markers and insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying oil biosynthesis in Camellia species. These discoveries have significant implications for the genetic improvement of oil content and quality in Camellia cultivars through marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering. Keywords Camellia oleifera; Oil biosynthesis; Fatty acid composition; Genetic markers; Transcriptomics 1 Introduction Camellia species, particularly Camellia oleifera, Camellia lanceoleosa, and Camellia chekiangoleosa, are renowned for their high-quality seed oils, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and beneficial secondary metabolites (Lin et al., 2019; Gong et al., 2022; Shen et al., 2022). These species are widely cultivated in regions such as Southern China and Southeast Asia, where they serve as significant sources of edible oil (Ye et al., 2023). The oil extracted from Camellia seeds is not only used for culinary purposes but also finds applications in cosmetics and as a lubricant, highlighting its versatility and economic importance (Gong et al., 2020). The oil content in Camellia species is of paramount importance due to its high levels of oleic acid, which is beneficial for human health (Lin et al., 2018). The presence of unsaturated fatty acids makes Camellia oil a desirable alternative to other vegetable oils, promoting its use in various industrial applications, including food production and pharmaceuticals (Yao et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2019). Additionally, the genetic diversity and adaptability of Camellia species to different environmental conditions enhance their agricultural value, making them a reliable crop for oil production (Barreiro et al., 2021). Recent genomic studies have provided insights into the genes involved in oil biosynthesis, offering potential for genetic improvement and increased oil yield (Lu et al., 2022; Shen et al., 2022). This study aims to explore the genetic basis of oil content in various Camellia species by examining the allelic diversity of key genes associated with oil production. By leveraging recent advancements in genomic and transcriptomic analyses, this study seeks to identify genetic markers and candidate genes that influence oil content and quality. The findings will contribute to the development of marker-assisted selection strategies to enhance oil yield and quality in Camellia species, thereby supporting their agricultural and industrial applications.
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