细胞发育与未来农业前沿论坛第四十七期

David Seung, Group Leader at the John Innes Centre (UK). His research deciphers molecular mechanisms of starch biosynthesis, focusing on granule initiation, size/shape control, and natural diversity in morphology/composition across species. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, his work bridges fundamental insights to crop quality improvement.

Despite starch's pivotal dietary role, its biosynthesis remains partially enigmatic. Unlike other carbohydrates, it forms insoluble semi-crystalline granules with species-specific morphologies in cereals. We identified two key determinants: granule-initiating proteins (distinct from synthesis enzymes) and amyloplast structural frameworks. Using this knowledge, we can now manipulate granule size and shape in wheat to resemble the morphologies found in other crops. This has major implications for improving the nutritional and functional qualities of starch.