Unraveling the potential of glucosinolates for nutritional enhancement and stress tolerance in <i>Brassica</i> crops

Abstract

Glucosinolates are a class of secondary metabolites derived from amino acids that are widely distributed in Brassicaceae family plants such as cabbage and broccoli. An S-β-d-glucopyrano unit is anomerically linked to an O-sulfated (Z)-thiohydroximate moiety to form glucosinolates. Despite the biological inactivity of intact glucosinolates, the action of myrosinase on glucosinolate generates glucosinolates derived hydrolysis products, which increase tolerance to abiotic stress, biotic stress and improve human health. Here, we investigate the possible applications of glucosinolate bioactive functions, with the aim of harnessing them for the advancement of sustainable agriculture in the future. In order to obtain advanced sources of glucosinolates, various methods have been utilized, such as traditional breeding, transgenic techniques, hairy root and plant cell cultures, microbial host-based engineering, and biotechnological methods applied in <italic>Brassica</italic> crops. We can examine and assess the possibility of manipulating genes related to the biosynthesis, hydrolysis, and transport of glucosinolates that are currently either underutilized or exploited, considering them as potential targets for GSL engineering. This synthesis aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships within glucosinolate-related processes and their applications in stress mitigation strategies for plants. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive insight into the genetic diversity within the Brassicaceae family and its influence on glucosinolate metabolism. It opens up new avenues for the targeted breeding of Brassicaceae crops with enhanced nutritional and ecological benefits, underlining the importance of genetic diversity in plant breeding and agricultural sustainability.