Poster: Emerging Technologies
Abs #
893: Comprehensive Metabolomic Analysis of Flax Genotypes with Altered Seed Compositions using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Mass Spectrometry
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) produces both high quality seed oil and an excellent fiber. The seed oil has generally been used for industrial purposes, but the recent development of “solin” type flax has resulted in increased usage in the edible oil market. Flax has also become important to the heath industry as a nutriceutical crop due to the presence of linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and lignans in the seed. In response to the potential health benefits that are associated with consuming flaxseed oil (and the components therein), we performed comprehensive metabolomic analyses on the seeds of various flax genotypes. The intent of these analyses was to discern the various genes and mechanisms by which different compositions were attained. Three registered traditional linseed varieties adapted to western Canada were used as our background (Norlin, McGregor, and CDC Normandy). To this background, two unregistered EMS mutants, two advanced breeding lines with altered palmitic/ linoleic/linolenic acid profiles, and two transgenic varieties were compared. Over 2000 metabolites were detected, quantified, identified, and compared using the MetEx/MetArray analysis/visualization platform. The results of these studies will be presented.
