Compounds in broccoli have previously been linked to the prevention of cancer. Now, a study conducted by researchers at Hunan Agricultural University in China, has found that those compounds can be enhanced, through genetic modification.
Could eating GM broccoli help prevent cancer?
New research has identified crucial genes in broccoli that enhance its cancer-fighting compounds, providing the potential for functional crop varieties.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of broccoli uncovered the genetic basis for producing glucosinolates (GSLs), substances known for their health advantages, such as anti-cancer properties. The research team identified essential genes responsible for glucosinolate synthesis. This research has the potential to help maximise glucosinolate in broccoli plants thus improving their nutritional profiles, and potentially increasing their ability to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Broccoli has previously been recognised for its health benefits. With high levels of vitamins and minerals, it’s hailed for helping to reduce inflammation, stabilise blood sugar levels, and strengthen the immune system. However, its high glucosinolate content, which has anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties is what drew the attention of the research team for this study.
How could GM broccoli help prevent cancer?
The study, published in the journal Horticulture Research, demonstrated that overexpression of BoMAM1 in broccoli, significantly increases the accumulation of C4-GSLs, highlighting its vital role in glucosinolate biosynthesis. Additionally, it provided insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that contribute to the diversity of glucosinolate profiles among different Brassica species.
“Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic factors influencing glucosinolate biosynthesis in broccoli,” said Dr Junwei Wang, a corresponding author of the study. “This knowledge is crucial for future genetic improvement and enhancing the nutritional value of Brassica crops.”
Despite extensive studies on Brassica species, the genetic basis for glucosinolate diversity remains unclear, yet understanding these mechanisms is crucial to enhancing the nutritional value of broccoli and related crops. Previous studies have successfully identified the various glucosinolate structures, but the specific genes and their roles in glucosinolate biosynthesis require further exploration. And the team believes that addressing these gaps is essential for developing genetically improved Brassica crops with enhanced health benefits.
Why research into the prevention and cure of cancers is so crucial
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with the number of cancer sufferers growing significantly in the past fifty years. Furthermore, the World Health Organization highlights that, “the cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.”
As a result of the significant impact of cancer, across all nations, scientists and healthcare experts are continually looking for ways to help prevent, and treat, it. And these solutions will continue to be pharmaceutical, as well as, through the use of food and beverages as medicine.
How can broccoli help to prevent cancer?
Broccoli, a member of the brassica or cruciferous family of vegetables, has been strongly linked with the prevention of cancer.
“There have been studies on this dating back to 1997 with Johns Hopkins University professor and nutrition biochemist Dr Jed Fahey,” explains Vijaya Surampudi, MD, assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health. “Since then, we have found that there are anticarcinogenic properties found in broccoli sprouts.”
Broccoli contains a high amount of a phytochemical, called sulforaphane, which is a cancer-fighting plant compound that has been linked to reducing the risks of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and oral cancers.
Sulforaphane is also found in other vegetables such as kale, cabbage, garden cress and cauliflower.
Source: Chromosome-scale reference genome of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) provides insights into glucosinolate biosynthesis
Published online: 5 May 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae063
Authors: Qiuyun Wu, Shuxiang Mao, Huiping Huang et al.
