Chinese scientists have increased the nutritional value of rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), using gene editing to enable the production of coenzyme Q (CoQ10). The chemical is among the most consumed nutritional supplements for heart health or migraines. The study says the technology opens ways for more dietary sources of the antioxidant to benefit health. The Coq1 enzyme controls whether a plant makes CoQ9 or CoQ10. However, the exact molecular basis of this specificity has remained unclear until now. The research team identified specific mutations in Coq1 that would enable the rice and wheat to produce CoQ10 instead of CoQ9 for better nutrition.
