Ensuring Global Food Security by Improving Protein Content in Major Grain Legumes Using Breeding and ‘Omics’ Tools

Abstract

Grain legumes are a rich source of dietary protein for millions of people globally and thus a key driver for securing global food security. Legume plant-based ‘dietary protein’ biofortification is an economic strategy for alleviating the menace of rising malnutrition-related problems and hidden hunger. Malnutrition from protein deficiency is predominant in human populations with an insufficient daily intake of animal protein/dietary protein due to economic limitations, especially in developing countries. Therefore, enhancing grain legume protein content will help eradicate protein-related malnutrition problems in low-income and underprivileged countries. Here, we review the exploitable genetic variability for grain protein content in various major grain legumes for improving the protein content of high-yielding, low-protein genotypes. We highlight classical genetics-based inheritance of protein content in various legumes and discuss advances in molecular marker technology that have enabled us to underpin various quantitative trait loci controlling seed protein content (SPC) in biparental-based mapping populations and genome-wide association studies. We also review the progress of functional genomics in deciphering the underlying candidate gene(s) controlling SPC in various grain legumes and the role of proteomics and metabolomics in shedding light on the accumulation of various novel proteins and metabolites in high-protein legume genotypes. Lastly, we detail the scope of genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, emerging genome editing tools, and speed breeding protocols for enhancing SPC in grain legumes to achieve legume-based dietary protein security and thus reduce the global hunger risk.

Relationship between Protein Digestibility and the Proteolysis of Legume Proteins during Seed Germination

“…and lupin ( Lupinus albus L.) [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. They are valued as alternatives to meat-based proteins and are the most important food source worldwide after cereals [ 12 ]. Consuming legumes can help in overcoming protein-related malnutrition, thus helping to overcome undernourishment of growing human populations [ 12 ].…”

“…They are valued as alternatives to meat-based proteins and are the most important food source worldwide after cereals [ 12 ]. Consuming legumes can help in overcoming protein-related malnutrition, thus helping to overcome undernourishment of growing human populations [ 12 ]. Other than the presence of macronutrients, legumes contain bioactive compounds which have therapeutic properties [ 13 ], and a legume-rich diet appears to have an appreciable impact on heart disease and cancer risk [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Identification of QTLs associated with seed protein concentration in two diverse recombinant inbred line populations of pea

“…In the current study, we attempted to understand the genetic basis of SPC in pea using diverse RIL populations using crosses made between high and moderate SPC cultivars. Advances in genomics and the availability of genome sequences have supported the identification of QTLs and candidate genes associated with many complex traits including SPC in grain legumes ( Jha et al., 2022 ). The genetic basis of SPC in many different crop plants is known to be governed by multiple major and minor genes.…”

“…According to a report by MarketsandMarkets Blog (2022) , the global pea protein market value was estimated at USD 1.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2027. Increasing the SPC of grain legumes also contributes to the increasing demand for protein-rich human diets and to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions ( Jha et al., 2022 ).…”

Genetic and Metabolite Variability among Commercial Varieties and Advanced Lines of Vicia faba L.

“…Moreover, seed quality and metabolism are of fundamental importance for agriculture [ 45 ]. Seed metabolomics analysis has undoubtedly become an indispensable tool in identifying biomarkers that are useful in seed quality improvement and in combating malnutrition [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Furthermore, by correlating with molecular markers and agronomical traits, metabolites can also be employed to offer comprehensive information (as selection criteria in pre-breeding procedures) [ 56 ] regarding the potential use of the genetic material.…”