Chapter 2 - Molecular Bases of Iron Accumulation Towards the Development of Iron-Enriched Crops

Abstract

More than two billion people suffer from iron (Fe) deficiency, and the development of Fe-enriched crops could help to alleviate this problem. Event though major advances in Fe uptake from soil, xylem and phloem loading and grain sink strength have been made during the last years, several gaps in the long way between soil and grains still need to be elucidated, in order to identify effective molecular targets to generate biofortified crops. Here we focus on the major bottlenecks for Fe accumulation in crops, the Fe ligands that regulate Fe trafficking and localization in different cells and tissues, and the transgenic approaches (single-gene and multiple-genes) already used to significantly increase Fe accumulation in grains. We use knowledge accumulated in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana as well as in crops such as rice and maize. Also, we discuss future potential targets that may help to develop high seed Fe crops.