Targets and strategies to design soybean seed composition traits

Breeders and geneticists have put great effort into enhancing soybean seed composition and developing elite varieties with desired traits. However, diverse end-uses and changing consumer preferences present new challenges and opportunities to develop desired compositional profiles for the market. Recent advances in genetics and novel technologies have allowed researchers to characterize genes impacting seed composition and provide a means for addressing these shifting consumer needs. Some of the desired compositional traits for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] include increased levels of protein, oil, sucrose, sulfur-containing amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids, and reduced allergens, raffinose family oligosaccharides, or saponins. This comprehensive review considers the current status of key components of soybean seed composition and forecasts opportunities based on candidate genes/pathways that may be targeted to add seed value. The review addresses a holistic view on interactions between the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome, along with metabolic flux analysis to gain insights into biological underpinnings governing seed composition.