Research summary
Canada is a major producer of crops that can be converted into oils, such as soybeans, sunflowers, canola and flax. In fact, Canada is the world’s leading canola producer, supplying 20 million tonnes each year. As Canada Research Chair in Plant Lipid Biotechnology, Dr. Guanqun Chen is studying the formation of triacylglycerol (the dietary lipid in fats and oils) in oilseed crops like canola.
He and his research team are investigating the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that govern storage lipid metabolism. They are also developing new strategies to improve seed oil yield and quality in order to produce special high-value oils for both food and non-food applications. They are also working on biotechnological strategies to enhance the traits of oilseed crops, with the ultimate goal of increasing yields.