Lotus Seeds: Current Molecular Biology Insights and Future Perspectives as a Prominent Biological Resource

Lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i> Gaertn.) is an economically and medicinally significant aquatic plant, with its seeds (lotus seeds) having attracted considerable attention due to their unique developmental traits and abundance of bioactive and nutritional components. Over recent decades, advancements in lotus genome annotation and assembly have facilitated comprehensive investigations into the molecular biology of lotus seeds. Key genes involved in the biosynthesis of nutrients and bioactive compounds within lotus seeds have now been identified and functionally validated. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements in the molecular biology of the edible and medicinal properties of lotus seeds, focusing on the biosynthetic mechanisms of key nutrients, such as starch, flavonoids, and alkaloids, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying lotus seed developmental processes. Additionally, we present a detailed overview of the mechanisms involved in the postharvest preservation of fresh lotus seeds and their exceptional longevity. Based on the current progress in lotus seed molecular biology, we propose future research directions and methodologies. This review not only deepens the understanding of the molecular biology of lotus seeds but also provides valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for promoting the genetic improvement and sustainable development of the lotus seed industry.