Improving camelina oilseed traits by genomics-driven approaches

Abstract:
Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oilseed crop that has a long history of cultivation. Currently, it is promoted primarily as an industrial crop for manufacturing biofuels and other industrial products. Studies indicate that several major challenges need to be overcome to realize its great potential. A major obstacle to economical camelina production is its lower seed yield compared to other major oilseed crops such as canola. Also, the oil fatty acid composition needs to be optimized for different uses. Here, I present recent progress in my lab toward the improvement of oilseed traits in camelina using genomics-driven systems biology approaches. 1) To explore natural variations in camelina germplasm, we conducted genome wide association studies combined with quantitative trait loci mapping through genome resequencing, and identified candidate genes that control oil content, fatty acid composition, and other important agronomic traits. In addition, we generated chromosome-level sequences of several accessions that differ in key phenotypic characteristics using the current sequencing technologies. 2) To dissect genetic and physiological mechanisms that control seed fatty acid composition, we created mutants and transgenic plants using microRNAs. Transcriptome analyses and molecular biology approaches were used to decipher gene regulatory networks of oil biosynthesis. 3) Transformation and the CRISPR/Cas9 technologies were used to successfully change seed fatty acid composition and to create novel camelina oils. These results illustrate the power of modern biotechnology for the genetic improvement of a resurrected ancient oilseed crop. Our genomic resources and biotechnology tools should facilitate rapid breeding of modern camelina varieties for industrial and other uses.