On "the most useful" oleaginous seeds: Linum Usitatissimum L., A genomic view with emphasis on important flax seed storage compounds

Linum usitatissimum L. (common flax) is one of the oldest domesticated plants. Flax and linseed are terms used to reference this crop. Flax has an average genome size of ca 750 Mb with a genetic potential estimated to encode ca 43,000 genes. It is self-pollinated, diploid, and with a relatively small genome recently released which are key features which make flax an ideal crop for breeding and genetic studies. Its popularity rose again in recent decades since it was defined as a functional food. Indeed, its seed is a rich source of oil particularly rich in omega 3 and lignans. Flax is highly adaptable to modern molecular genetic engineering techniques. Future developments in flax genomic studies would greatly benefit from reduced sequencing costs and new approaches. Many important gene targets involved in key processes, such as A-linolenic acid (ALA) and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) biosynthesis during seed development, have been established through transcriptome analysis. The transcriptomic analysis of the development of flax seed is still underdeveloped, however, and this could contribute to a thorough understanding of the crop's health-modulating effects. The protein content in flaxseed has been reported to range from 10.5% to 31%. The major seed storage proteins include albumins, globulins, and prolamins. Flax seed contains in particular two lectin groups with different localization and physiological functions that may participate in specific adaptation of flax plants to various abiotic stress factors.