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Scientists uncover simple genetic route to healthier wheat foods
Variant form of a single gene results in a higher soluble dietary fibre content in flour
Scientists from the Delivering Sustainable Wheat programme at Rothamsted Research and the John Innes Centre have identified an easy route to improving the healthiness of white bread and other foods made from wheat flour. This new research shows that a variant form of a single gene results in a higher soluble dietary fibre content in the flour. This has significance for health because higher soluble dietary fibre in food is associated with numerous health benefits including reducing risk factors for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
The natural gene variant works by disrupting the function of an enzyme that cross-links the dietary fibre in cell walls, so making it more soluble. A single letter change in the DNA of the variant causes the enzyme to go to the wrong part of the cell. Because the researchers have pinpointed the exact DNA change responsible, any wheat carrying it can confidently be predicted to have higher soluble fibre, making it easy to identify and breed wheat varieties with this trait. It turns out this “high soluble fibre” variant is already present in about 20% of modern wheat varieties and can therefore be adopted by plant breeders and food processors, resulting in healthier diets for consumers in UK and other countries with a western diet.
Publication
Contacts
Dr Alison Lovegrove
Biochemist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.