Peter Bramley

Peter Bramley

Professor

  • TW20 0EX

Personal profile

Research interests

Carotenoids: Function, Biosynthesis, Regulation and Genetic Manipulation


Carotenoids are a group of major plant pigments responsible for most of the yellow to red colours of flowers, fruits and vegetables. In the diet they act as powerful antioxidants and are believed to protect the body against free radical attack and hence reduce the incidence of cataracts, heart disease and certain cancers.

One approach to increasing the dietary intake of carotenoids is to increase their levels in fruit and vegetables. In order to achieve this goal, it Is necessary to understand how plants control the formation and accumulation of carotenoids, using biochemical, molecular biology and electron microscopy techniques. Currently, we are focusing on the tomato in order to elevate the levels of the three major carotenoids in ripe fruit, lycopene, ß-carotene and astaxanthin.

Carotenoid genes isolated from plants and bacteria and encoding key enzymes in the pathway have been introduced into the tomato by genetic transformation using Agrobacterium-based vectors. The transgenic plants are analysed for pigment content by HPLC, gene expression (northern and western blotting, RT-PCR), plastid ultrastructure and antioxidant potential. We are also analysing a large number of introgression lines of tomato by metabolomics in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that can be used in plant breeding to produce elite lines that have elevated levels of antioxidants.

We are also developing a systems biology approach to predicting the metabolic control of isoprenoid biosynthesis and accumulation in tomato.

The use of proteomics and metabolomics in the authentication of foods


We are using proteomics (MudPIT, HPLC, IEX, SEC, electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing) and metabolomics (GC/MS, HPLC/MS, HPLC/DAD) in studies to detect:
  • False labelling of foods
  • Adulteration of foods
  • Toxic compounds in foods
  • GM ingredients in foods and feeds.
  • Identification of animal proteins in feeds.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Keywords

  • carotenoids
  • isoprenoids
  • gm crops
  • metabolomics
  • proteomics