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<p>Zinc (Zn) deficiency in wheat, a staple food for 40% of the global population, limits both grain yield and nutritional quality, contributing directly to the “hidden hunger” challenge worldwide. Developing Zn-efficient wheat varieties through biofortification requires comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling Zn uptake, root-to-shoot translocation, and adaptation to low-Zn soils. In this review, we summarize existing knowledge on these mechanisms, with emphasis on molecular aspects that have emerged from recent integrated omics studies. We first evaluated existing biofortification strategies: agronomic approaches (seeds or soil treatment were less effective than foliar Zn application), conventional breeding (quantitative trait loci mapping for Zn accumulation in grains), and genetic engineering (genome editing tools as a promising but still emerging technology). Following this, we examined transcriptomics-based studies that have identified key gene families involved in Zn transport (ZIFL, ABC, ZIP, YSL), transcription factors controlling Zn deficiency responses (<i>bZIP19, bZIP23</i>), and stress defense (Cu/Zn-SOD) in wheat. Finally, our paper identified critical knowledge gaps: no comprehensive quantitative trait loci studies are available for root-level Zn uptake, and very scarce information exists about Zn deficiency-responsive metabolites and proteins in wheat roots. Addressing these gaps through root-centered investigations and integrated omics will be critical for developing Zn-efficient wheat varieties, achieving sustainable wheat production, and improving global food security.</p>

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Molecular Insights into Zinc Uptake and Accumulation in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): From Deficiency Responses to Biofortification Strategies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Muhammad Saeed,
  • Pingfang Yang

摘要

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in wheat, a staple food for 40% of the global population, limits both grain yield and nutritional quality, contributing directly to the “hidden hunger” challenge worldwide. Developing Zn-efficient wheat varieties through biofortification requires comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling Zn uptake, root-to-shoot translocation, and adaptation to low-Zn soils. In this review, we summarize existing knowledge on these mechanisms, with emphasis on molecular aspects that have emerged from recent integrated omics studies. We first evaluated existing biofortification strategies: agronomic approaches (seeds or soil treatment were less effective than foliar Zn application), conventional breeding (quantitative trait loci mapping for Zn accumulation in grains), and genetic engineering (genome editing tools as a promising but still emerging technology). Following this, we examined transcriptomics-based studies that have identified key gene families involved in Zn transport (ZIFL, ABC, ZIP, YSL), transcription factors controlling Zn deficiency responses (bZIP19, bZIP23), and stress defense (Cu/Zn-SOD) in wheat. Finally, our paper identified critical knowledge gaps: no comprehensive quantitative trait loci studies are available for root-level Zn uptake, and very scarce information exists about Zn deficiency-responsive metabolites and proteins in wheat roots. Addressing these gaps through root-centered investigations and integrated omics will be critical for developing Zn-efficient wheat varieties, achieving sustainable wheat production, and improving global food security.