Transcription factor EgGRP2A regulates EgFATA expression and promotes oleic acid accumulation in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is emerging as the world's most important and prolific oilseed crop, celebrated for its impressive oil yield. However, the molecular intricacies that govern lipid metabolism and fatty acid accumulation in oil palm fruits remain relatively underexplored. This study reveals a significant correlation between the expression of EgGRP2A, a transcription factor, and the expression of EgFATA in the oil palm. Yeast one-hybrid analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) reveal and confirm the binding interactions between EgGRP2A and the promoter region of EgFATA. Subsequent experiments in oil palm protoplasts show that transient overexpression of EgGRP2A leads to a marked upregulation of EgFATA expression. Conversely, downregulation of EgGRP2A in transgenic oil palm embryoids leads to a significant reduction in EgFATA expression. Metabolite profiling in the transgenic embryoids reveals a significant reduction in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid. These findings promise profound insights into the regulatory orchestration of EgFATA and the synthesis of fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, in the oil palm. Furthermore, the results lay the foundation for future breeding and genetic improvement efforts aimed at increasing oleic acid content in oil palm varieties. •Correlation between EgGRP2A and EgFATA expression in oil palm fruits.•EgGRP2A binds to EgFATA promoter region, upregulating its expression.•Downregulation of EgGRP2A leads to reduced EgFATA expression and oleic acid levels.•Study provides insights for genetic improvement efforts to increase oleic acid content.•Promising findings for understanding lipid metabolism in oil palm fruits.