Genetic and physiological regulation of folate in pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) germplasm

Folates are one of the essential micronutrients for all living organisms. Due to inadequate dietary intake, folate deficiency remains prevalent in humans. Genetically diverse germplasms can potentially be used as parents in breeding programs and also for understanding the folate regulatory network. Therefore, we investigated the natural genetic diversity of folates and their physiological regulation in pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) germplasm. The total folate concentration ranged from 52.7 μg 100 gFW-1 to 166.9 μg 100 gFW-1, with 3.2-fold variation. The main folate vitamer was represented by 5-CH3-H4folate, with 4.5-fold variation. The activities of GTP cyclohydrolase I and aminodeoxy chorismate synthase, the first step of folate synthesis, were high in high folate accessions and low in low folate accessions. Analysis of the transcription levels of 11 genes associated with folate metabolism demonstrated that the difference in folate concentrations may be primarily controlled at the post-transcriptional level. A general correlation between total folate and their precursors was observed. Folate diversity and chlorophyll content were tightly regulated through the methyl cycle. The diverse genetic variation in pak choi germplasm indicated the great genetic potential to integrate breeding programs for folate biofortification and unravel the physiological basis of folate homeostasis in planta.