CRISPR/Cas9-mediated α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) mutagenesis increases the content of functional amino acids in foxtail millet (Setaria italica).

key messageThe gene editing of α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) exhibited significant increases in multiple functional aminoacids. The vast majority sugar components showed significant increases in the gene editing lines. Knockout of the prolamin gene not only improves the nutritional quality but also affects its eating quality. Proteins in foxtail millet exhibits a balanced amino acid composition that meets human dietary requirements.Prolamins are notably deficient in essential amino acids such as lysine, the structure, morphology, and functional characteristics of foxtail millet prolamin have been sufficiently elucidated, but the biological roles of prolamin genesstill need further exploration. This study demonstrates that the α-prolamin gene (Seita.8G190200) plays crucial roles in regulating prolamin content, functional amino acid and sugar components levels, potentially serving as an important target for improving both nutritional and eating quality of foxtail millet. These findings provide scientific foundations for developing novel nutritionally fortified functional foxtail millet products, breeding new foxtail millet varieties enriched with functional amino acids for human health benefits.