Glucosinolates revisited—A follow-up of ABR volume 80: Glucosinolates

Glucosinolates are an important group of plant secondary metabolites found in Brassicaceae. They are part of plant defense responses against insects, fungal and bacterial pathogens, are responsible for taste and flavor of cruciferous vegetables, and have beneficial health properties. Because of their importance, ABR Volume 80 was dedicated to these compounds, reviewing the metabolism, regulation, and function of glucosinolates. Here the content of the volume will be shortly recapitulated and the progress in various areas of glucosinolate research will be reviewed. Apart from further details on the genes and enzymes involved in glucosinolate synthesis and downstream metabolism, new emerging areas are discussed, such as the function of glucosinolates in shaping the plant microbiome and their further interactions with bacteria and other microorganisms. A number of ways for successful engineering of glucosinolate pathways toward improved yield, health, and nutritional properties of crops are discussed.