Recent Advancements and Biotechnological Implications of Carotenoid Metabolism of Brassica

This narrative review examines the carotenoid metabolic pathway in Brassica crops, which are important for plant physiology and human nutrition. The background highlights that carotenoids like lutein and β-carotene are vital for plant photosynthesis and human health, including vision and immunity. The methods involve a synthesis of forward genetics, QTL mapping, and biotechnological approaches to identify and manipulate carotenoid-related genes. Key results focus on the roles of specific genes: CRTISO mutations affect flower and leaf color in B. rapa and B. napus; ZEP loss-of-function alters carotenoid composition in petals; CCD4 regulates white/yellow petal color in B. napus and B. oleracea; and OR mutations promote β-carotene accumulation. The review also discusses the evolutionary diversification of these genes across Brassica species. Limitations include the focus on plant genetics without direct human or animal study data, and the complexity of carotenoid regulation in higher plants. Implications are primarily agricultural, suggesting that genetic manipulation of these genes could enhance crop nutritional value and ornamental traits, though the review notes that more research is needed to elucidate carotenoid function in humans.