Lipid metabolism and accumulation in oilseed crops

Abstract

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) serve as the most important storage form of energy and carbon in eukaryotic cells and thus are one of the fundamental macronutrients for animal and human diet. They are also used as a major feedstock for diverse industrial and energetic sectors due to their high energy density. Oilseed crops represent the most valuable source of TAGs and major world sources of edible oils. Originally, oilseeds of various species were used as a model to decipher plant lipid synthesis pathways. Given the continuous progress in research on plant lipid metabolism, here we provide an overview and update on the current state of knowledge related mainly to storage lipids in oilseeds. Moreover, we present the latest evidences on the molecular networks governing metabolism not only of TAGs but also of other seed lipids, like wax esters, sterols and sphingolipids. Finally, this review also provides a framework for understanding the complex lipid web existing in oilseeds.