Selenium Application Enhances the Accumulation of Flavones and Anthocyanins in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grains

Abstract

Selenium (Se) biofortification in wheat reduces the risk of Se deficiency in humans. Se biofortification increases the concentration of Se and anthocyanins in wheat grains. However, it is unknown whether Se biofortification can enhance flavonoids other than anthocyanins and the mechanism underlying flavonoid accumulation in wheat grains. Here, foliar application of selenite solution in wheat was conducted 10 days after flowering. Metabolite profiling and transcriptome sequencing were performed in Se-treated grains. A significant increase in the total contents of Se, anthocyanins, and flavonoids was observed in Se-treated mature grains. Twenty-seven significantly increased flavonoids were identified in Se-treated immature grains. The significant accumulation of flavones (tricin, tricin derivatives, and chrysoeriol derivatives) was detected, and six anthocyanins, dihydroquercetin (the precursor for anthocyanin biosynthesis) and catechins were also increased. Integrated analysis of metabolites and transcriptome revealed that Se application enhanced the biosynthesis of flavones, dihydroquercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins by increasing the expression levels of seven key structural genes in flavonoid biosynthesis (two TaF3Hs, two TaDFRs, one TaF3′5′H, one TaOMT, and one TaANR). Our findings shed new light on the molecular mechanism underlying the enhancement in flavonoid accumulation by Se supplementation and pave the way for further enhancing the nutritional value of wheat grains.

Effect of Selenium Application on Growth, Antioxidative Capacity, and Nutritional Quality in Purple Lettuce Seedlings

“…Anthocyanin content in plants is highly influenced by external and internal factors [38,61]. The increased accumulation of anthocyanins under exogenous Se application was also observed in other crops and vegetables, such as bread wheat [43,62], maize [63], radish sprouts [45], and sweet basil [46]. In this regard, varieties with high anthocyanin content generally have higher Se contents [43,44].…”

Selenium Uptake, Translocation, and Metabolization Pattern during Barley Malting: A Comparison of Selenate, Selenite, and Selenomethionine

“…Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human and animal health, and Se deficiency is a worldwide problem. As a critical component of 25 selenoproteins, Se plays essential roles in multiple physiological processes such as immune response, antioxidant defense, reduced cardiovascular risk, and thyroid hormone metabolism. − Se absorption becomes a health concern when it goes below the recommended daily amount (50–200 μg), particularly in Asian nations that rely heavily on grains. As a result, increasing the micronutrient content of staple cereal grains via agricultural methods to prevent micronutrient malnutrition of Se in people has become a focus of study. − …”

Selenium Nanomaterials Enhance Sheath Blight Resistance and Nutritional Quality of Rice: Mechanisms of Action and Human Health Benefit

“…Additionally, it has been reported that exogenous application of Se upregulates the activity of phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL), 4-Coumarate:CoA-ligase (4CL), and epigenetic cytosine DNA methylation; these enzymes play key roles in the regulation of SAR in plants . Zhang et al demonstrated that foliar application of 200 mg/L Na 2 SeO 3 significantly enhanced the flavonoid content in wheat tissues . However, the application of Na 2 SeO 3 has both food safety and environmental concerns, largely due to its rapid diffusion and relatively narrow safe concentration range .…”

“…18 Zhang et al demonstrated that foliar application of 200 mg/L Na 2 SeO 3 significantly enhanced the flavonoid content in wheat tissues. 19 However, the application of Na 2 SeO 3 has both food safety and environmental concerns, largely due to its rapid diffusion and relatively narrow safe concentration range. 20 For example, Na 2 SeO 3 can induce protein malformation in plants when the concentration exceeds the optimal level, thereby disrupting photosynthesis and antioxidative system function.…”