For the first time in China, the mechanism of iron transport in maize grains was discovered, and its importance was analyzed
Scientists have discovered molecular disruptors of iron transport in corn grains.
Iron deficiency due to anemia is a prevalent health problem worldwide. To solve this problem, Chinese scientists have made a major breakthrough: they have discovered a molecular interference with iron transport in corn kernels, a discovery that will help people effectively consume iron in their daily diets. On December 8, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Henan Agricultural University jointly released the research results, revealing how the ZMNAC78 gene and metal transporter work together to form a molecular disruptor that controls the entry of iron into corn kernels. Scientists used this gene to successfully increase the iron content in corn kernels to 70 per kilogram of corn5 mg, which is more than twice the average iron content of normal corn. At the same time, they also used this discovery to breed new varieties of corn rich in iron, providing new genetic resources to solve the problem of iron deficiency.
As one of the most important crops in the world, corn is widely used in the manufacture of many food and industrial products. However, the iron content in corn kernels has always been low, which is a big problem for people with insufficient iron intake. According to the Fourth National Nutrition Survey, the prevalence of anaemia among Chinese residents is 201%, half of whom are iron deficiency anemia. While iron nutrition can be improved by taking methods such as iron supplements, this method is costly. As a result, scientists are working to increase the iron content in corn so that people can better consume iron in their daily diets, thereby improving iron nutrition at a low cost.
Effect of molecular disruptors on iron transport in maize seeds.
The discovery of molecular interferences of iron transport in maize seeds is of great significance. First of all, this discovery provides new ideas and new materials for solving the problem of iron deficiency on a global scale. According to statistics, about one-third of the world's population suffers from anemia caused by iron deficiency. Previously, some scientists have made great progress in the field of rice, but due to the different structural characteristics of corn grains, nutrients such as iron must pass through the basal endosperm and cells to enter the grains. How to increase the iron content of corn has been an open question. Now, by unraveling the mechanism of action of the Zmnac78 gene and metal transporter, scientists have discovered the key to controlling the entry of iron into corn grains, which provides a new idea for solving the nutrient absorption problem of other similar cereal crops with delivery cells.
In addition, new corn varieties have emerged due to the discovery of molecular interferons, which transport iron in corn kernels. Scientists have used this discovery to breed new varieties of iron-rich corn, which have been successfully applied to practical production. This finding could help radically increase the iron content in corn and provide people with more nutritious food choices. This research and development is particularly important for developing countries where maize is a staple food, as it can help improve people's iron nutrition and thus their overall health.
Perspectives on iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency is a major global health challenge. Anemia caused by iron deficiency has a serious impact on human health, especially in pregnant women and children. While iron status can be improved through methods such as iron supplementation, these methods are expensive and not a long-term solution. As a result, scientists are working to increase the amount of iron in crops to address the problem of insufficient iron intake.
The discovery of interferon, an iron transporter molecule in maize grains, provides a new idea for solving the problem of iron deficiency. By controlling the action of the zmnac78 gene and metal transporter, scientists have succeeded in increasing the iron content in corn grains and breeding new varieties of corn that are rich in iron. This finding is also related to the nutrient absorption of other similar cereal crops, and is expected to provide new ideas and methods for improving the iron content of other food crops.
In addition, by studying the molecular interference factors of iron transport in corn grains, scientists have also discovered some key genes and molecular mechanisms. These research results can not only be used to improve maize varieties, but also provide clues and guidance for solving other related problems. For example, some crops with metastatic cell properties, such as wheat, also face challenges with nutrient uptake and transport, and some progress has been made in maize research. Therefore, the discovery of molecular interferences of iron transport in maize grains is of great significance to the whole field of plant nutrition, which is helpful to promote the research and application in related fields.
Summary. By discovering the molecular interferon for iron transport in corn grains, Chinese scientists have made an important breakthrough in solving the global iron deficiency problem. This finding not only provides a new method and new idea for solving the problem of insufficient iron intake, but also provides a benchmark for other crop improvement and nutrient absorption problems. Scientists have used this discovery to breed new varieties of corn rich in iron, providing new genetic resources for improving iron nutrition. Iron deficiency is a major global health challenge, and it is hoped that this finding will help alleviate anemia and improve the health of people around the world. We look forward to scientists continuing their efforts and discoveries in this field in the future, and making greater contributions to solving global nutrition problems.