Nutritional assessment of transgenic lysine-rich maize compared with conventional quality protein maize

The gene sb401 encoding a lysine-rich protein has been successfully integrated into the genome of maize (Zea mays), its expression showing as increased levels of lysine and total protein in maize seeds. As part of a nutritional assessment of transgenic maize, nutritional composition, especially unintended changes in key nutrients such as proximates, amino acids, minerals and vitamins as well as in antinutrient (phytate phosphorus), and protein nutritional quality were compared between transgenic maize (inbred line 642 and hybrid line Y642) and conventional quality protein maize (QPM) Nongda 108.

The contents of total protein, lysine, some other amino acids, several minerals and vitamin B₂ in transgenic inbred line 642 and hybrid line Y642 were significantly higher than those in conventional QPM. Water-soluble protein and G2-glutelin were significantly promoted in transgenic maize Y642.

Insertion of the lysine-rich sb401 gene increased the total protein and lysine content of transgenic maize varieties, leading to an improved amino acid score and therefore an improvement in the nutritive value of maize.