Indian mustard biofortified with cancer-preventive, GLUCORAPHANIN
Glucoraphanin, a well-studied glucosinolate found mainly in broccoli, is valued for its
health benefits, especially through its breakdown product, sulforaphane, which has anti cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other protective effects against diseases like arthritis, asthma, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, a high intake of broccoli is needed to get these benefits, and its cultivation faces genetic and environmental limitations.
To address this, BRIC-NIPGR researchers have developed transgene-free Indian
mustard (Brassica juncea) lines using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the
ALKENYL HYDROXALKYL PRODUCING 2 (AOP2) gene family, leading to high
glucoraphanin accumulation (up to 75 PPM in microgreens). These mustard lines
also have reduced harmful glucosinolates and could serve as a new generation of
superfood, with potential anti-cancer and chemopreventive benefits. Their various
parts – sprouts, microgreens, leaves, oil and oilcake – could be used for human and
animal diets and for producing glucoraphanin-based supplements and medicines on
an industrial scale.
Kumar P, Bisht NC* (2025) High-level production of health-beneficial glucoraphanin by
multiplex editing of AOP2 gene family in mustard. The Plant Biotechnology Journal
doi: 10.1111/PBI.70171 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.70171)