LAUSR

Lentils provide a rich plant-based protein source and staple food in many parts of the world. Despite numerous nutritional benefits, lentil seeds are also known to possess undesirable elements, such as anti-nutritional factors. Understanding the genetic networks of seed metabolism is of great importance for improving seed nutritional profile. We applied RNA sequencing analysis to survey the transcriptome of lentil developing seeds, and compared with that of pod shells and leaves. In total, we identified 2622 genes differentially expressed among the tissues examined. Genes preferentially expressed in seeds were enriched with Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with development, nitrogen and carbon (N/C) metabolism, and lipid synthesis. We further categorized seed preferentially expressed genes based on their involvement in storage protein production, starch accumulation, lipid and suberin metabolism, phytate, saponin, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The availability of transcript profile data sets on seed metabolism and a roadmap of candidate genes presented here will be of great value for breeding strategies towards further improvement of lentil seed quality traits.