Exploring metabolite diversity in global rapeseed germplasm: insights into ecotypes, geographical influences, and...

Rapeseed oil is widely recognized for its health benefits; however, the relationships between its metabolites and factors such as ecotypes, geographical regions, plant traits, and diabetes risk remain poorly understood. This study delves into the metabolic diversity of rapeseed across various ecotypes and geographical origins, while also examining its potential associations with plant traits and diabetes incidence rates.

Comprehensive metabolomic analysis of 125 rapeseed accessions reveals substantial variations in 2,603 out of 6,048 detected metabolites, encompassing 107 fatty acyls, 124 flavonoids, and 10 phenolic compounds. These metabolic variations likely stem from the complex interplay of genetic divergence, historical selection, environmental adaptability of varieties, and other contributing factors. Penalized regression analysis reveals 24 metabolites associated with the length of the main inflorescence and 26 metabolites linked to the silique count of the main inflorescence, highlighting the possible metabolic underpinnings of these structural traits. Notably, specific metabolites-identified as docosatrienoic acid (M335T887_POS), uridine monophosphate (UMP, M340T917_NEG), and rosmarinate (M719T323_NEG)-are significantly associated with diabetes incidence. These associations suggest a potential link between the consumption of rapeseed and diabetes risk.

Our findings illustrate the putative links between agricultural production, plant metabolism, and human health. The study emphasizes the potential to enhance rapeseed's nutritional profile and improve health outcomes through targeted breeding or metabolic engineering of specific metabolites. Further research is crucial to unravel the underlying mechanisms and to develop sustainable food strategies aimed at optimizing health benefits.