Understanding the role of Selenium enrichment on the bioactive properties of plants

Three core deliverables have been set (points I - III below). Selenium (Se), is involved in a number of important health related processes particularly in the immune and cardiovascular systems. It has been shown that crops can be biofortified using Se containing fertilisers however the potential health impact of such intervention remains poorly understood. Therefore, the aims of this project are to investigate the health benefits of nutritionally enhanced plants, in particular the effect of Se. We intend to examine whether Se fertilisation can alter the biologically active properties of allium species and Brassica vegetables. It has been demonstrated that Se and S share similar uptake mechanisms and S fertilisation can inhibit Se uptake. This interplay may be important in some edible plant species like the alliums and Brassicas since these plants are widely known to have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. However, whether Se speciation alters these health promoting traits remains to be determined. Typically, Se speciation in these plants leads to the formation of non-protein amino acid storage compounds, the S-alkenyl cysteine, selenocysteine sulfoxides, and other inorganic and organic Se containing species, these molecules, once catabolised, produce a range of biologically active compounds. We wish to determine, using in vitro assays, whether differing Se status influences the nutritional properties of alliums and brassica plants. In this instance, we wish to determine, i) the novel biological mechanisms of action for Se compounds found in the diets of humans, ii) determine the response of plant tissues grown under differing S and Se fertilisation regimes, iii) to assess whether Se alters the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts as determined in cellular models. These models will focus on identifying primary endpoint markers of exposure that are perhaps responsible for the known health benefits associated with this group of edible plants and/or Se. This work underpins significantly with the future development of nutrient-smart crops. The assays and systems developed during this project would be applicable to testing other nutritionally enhanced crops.