Project description:Quinoa is widely recognized for its exceptional nutritional properties, particularly its complete protein content. This study, for the first time, investigates the effects of processing methods (boiling and extrusion) and farming conditions (conventional and organic) on the quinoa’s proteomic profile. Following a label-free shotgun proteomics approach, a total of 1,796 proteins were identified and quantified across all quinoa samples. Regarding processing, both boiling and extrusion produced protein extracts with lower total protein content, with the number of identified proteins decreasing from 1,695 in raw quinoa to 957 in processed quinoa. Boiling led to a reduction in protein diversity and expression, while extrusion, which involves high temperatures and pressures, specifically decreased the abundance of high molecular mass proteins. Concerning cultivation practices, organic farming was associated with a broader protein diversity, especially proteins related to translation (28% vs. 5%), while conventional farming showed a higher abundance of catalytic and enzymatic proteins (67% vs. 46%). These findings highlight the distinct proteomic changes induced by different processing methods and farming conditions, offering valuable insights to manage quinoa’s nutritional, bioactive, and functional properties across various production practices.
Project description:Comparison of the transcriptome profiles of a widely commercialized maize MON810 variety and its non-GM near-isogenic counterpart subjected to low N fertilization farming practices
Project description:Human breast milk contains a diverse community of bacteria but factors that produce variation in the breast milk microbiome are largely unknown. We evaluated if 1) maternal factors including breastfeeding practices modified the diversity and abundance of bacterial communities in breast milk and 2) if subclinical mastitis (SCM), an asymptomatic inflammatory condition occurring during lactation, induced a distinctive microbiota signature.
Project description:The Amish and Hutterites are U.S. farming populations with remarkably similar lifestyles. However, the Amish follow traditional farming practices, while the Hutterites employ modern farming techniques, and also show striking differences in asthma prevalence. Little is known about immune responses underlying these differences. To address this, we obtained genome-wide gene expression data in peripheral blood leukocytes from Amish and Hutterite schoolchildren.
