Editing of GmAITR enhances the nutritional and functional properties of soybean: Evidence from multi-gene mutants

Genome editing of the glycine max abscisic acid induced transcription repressors (GmAITRs) is an effective approach for developing high-quality soybean varieties; however, its effects on the nutritional composition of genome-edited soybeans remain unclear. A comparative analysis was conducted on the functional components, anti-nutritional factors, and antioxidant activity of the double-homozygous mutant ( gmaitr36 ), quintuple-homozygous mutant ( gmaitr23456 ), and wild type (Wm82). Compared with Wm82, genome-edited soybeans exhibited higher protein and oil contents. Reducing sugar content increased in gmaitr36 but decreased in gmaitr23456 , whereas total phenols and isoflavones were elevated in gmaitr23456 , suggesting that the number of edited loci influences phenotypic outcomes. With the exception of gmaitr23456-c2 , oleic and linoleic acid content increased significantly in all other soybean lines. In gmaitr23456 , Glu and Ser levels were significantly higher than those in Wm82. Urease activity was markedly reduced, while gmaitr36 exhibited strong ABTS •+ radical scavenging capacity. Overall, GmAITR-edited soybeans exhibit enhanced stress resistance and improved nutritional value, providing fundamental data for their development as functional foods. GmAITR Genome Editing Enhances the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Soybean: Evidence from Multi-Gene Mutants • GmAITR editing increased protein, oil, and key fatty acid contents in soybean • Phenolics, isoflavones, and sugars varied with the number of edited GmAITR loci • Genome-edited soybeans showed lower urease and stronger ABTS •+ scavenging activity