Lupinus mutabilis is a little-known species. Originating in the Andean region, its propagation worldwide is still deficient or has yet to occur, contrary to what happened to other lupin species. Despite this, within its genus, it is one of the most promising species, being even considered as a good alternative to soy, the world’s leading protein crop. The benefits of pulses in health are already well documented and studied, and many of these foods provide health benefits that go beyond high nutrient value, by containing several compounds that exhibit very interesting bioactivities. Many of these bioactivities have been discovered and studied in several pulses. Still, in L. mutabilis, these bioactivities are yet, for the most part, unknown. The aim of the present work is to assess the presence of deflamin in L. mutabilis, a small polypeptide oligomer with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor potential, previously discovered in our research group in L. albus. The total protein extract of L. mutabilis seeds was tested for any inhibitory potential towards MMP-9. All eleven tested accessions showed inhibitory activity towards these metalloproteinases, with three standing out: JKI-210, JKI-295 and SBP. Through a reverse zymography performed under denaturing conditions a small polypeptide, with approximately 20 kDa, was detected. This was the first indication that deflamin could be present in the seeds of this lupin species, similarly to L. albus. Using a patented extraction method deflamin was isolated and then tested in vitro in HT29 cell migration assays. Accession JKI-210 stood out in the performed tests for having the highest inhibitory potential towards the activity of MMP-9. Field trials, performed in Tapada da Ajuda, Lisboa, showed that this accession, although being slightly less productive, adapted well to the Mediterranean near-coastal climate, suggesting it may be perfectly adequate to be sown in this area. The present work concludes that deflamin is present in L. mutabilis seeds, with significant bioactivity. This new discovery adds another valuable feature to an already promising crop

Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica / Instituto Superior de Agronomia. Universidade de Lisboa

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