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Zhu Y, Li L. Wood of trees: Cellular structure, molecular formation, and genetic engineering. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:443-467. [PMID: 38032010 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Wood is an invaluable asset to human society due to its renewable nature, making it suitable for both sustainable energy production and material manufacturing. Additionally, wood derived from forest trees plays a crucial role in sequestering a significant portion of the carbon dioxide fixed during photosynthesis by terrestrial plants. Nevertheless, with the expansion of the global population and ongoing industrialization, forest coverage has been substantially decreased, resulting in significant challenges for wood production and supply. Wood production practices have changed away from natural forests toward plantation forests. Thus, understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms of wood formation is the foundation for developing high-quality, fast-growing plantation trees. Breeding ideal forest trees for wood production using genetic technologies has attracted the interest of many. Tremendous studies have been carried out in recent years on the molecular, genetic, and cell-biological mechanisms of wood formation, and considerable progress and findings have been achieved. These studies and findings indicate enormous possibilities and prospects for tree improvement. This review will outline and assess the cellular and molecular mechanisms of wood formation, as well as studies on genetically improving forest trees, and address future development prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems and College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Laigeng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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2
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Wannitikul P, Wattana-Amorn P, Sathitnaitham S, Sakulkoo J, Suttangkakul A, Wonnapinij P, Bassel GW, Simister R, Gomez LD, Vuttipongchaikij S. Disruption of a DUF247 Containing Protein Alters Cell Wall Polysaccharides and Reduces Growth in Arabidopsis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1977. [PMID: 37653894 PMCID: PMC10221614 DOI: 10.3390/plants12101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex process that requires proteins and enzymes from glycan synthesis to wall assembly. We show that disruption of At3g50120 (DUF247-1), a member of the DUF247 multigene family containing 28 genes in Arabidopsis, results in alterations to the structure and composition of cell wall polysaccharides and reduced growth and plant size. An ELISA using cell wall antibodies shows that the mutants also exhibit ~50% reductions in xyloglucan (XyG), glucuronoxylan (GX) and heteromannan (HM) epitopes in the NaOH fraction and ~50% increases in homogalacturonan (HG) epitopes in the CDTA fraction. Furthermore, the polymer sizes of XyGs and GXs are reduced with concomitant increases in short-chain polymers, while those of HGs and mHGs are slightly increased. Complementation using 35S:DUF247-1 partially recovers the XyG and HG content, but not those of GX and HM, suggesting that DUF247-1 is more closely associated with XyGs and HGs. DUF247-1 is expressed throughout Arabidopsis, particularly in vascular and developing tissues, and its disruption affects the expression of other gene members, indicating a regulatory control role within the gene family. Our results demonstrate that DUF247-1 is required for normal cell wall composition and structure and Arabidopsis growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaporn Wannitikul
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Pakorn Wattana-Amorn
- Special Research Unit for Advanced Magnetic Resonance and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Sukhita Sathitnaitham
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Jenjira Sakulkoo
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Anongpat Suttangkakul
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
- Center of Advanced studies for Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Passorn Wonnapinij
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
- Center of Advanced studies for Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - George W. Bassel
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
| | - Rachael Simister
- CNAP, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK; (R.S.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Leonardo D. Gomez
- CNAP, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK; (R.S.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Supachai Vuttipongchaikij
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (P.W.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (P.W.)
- Center of Advanced studies for Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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Lv P, Wan J, Zhang C, Hina A, Al Amin GM, Begum N, Zhao T. Unraveling the Diverse Roles of Neglected Genes Containing Domains of Unknown Function (DUFs): Progress and Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044187. [PMID: 36835600 PMCID: PMC9966272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Domain of unknown function (DUF) is a general term for many uncharacterized domains with two distinct features: relatively conservative amino acid sequence and unknown function of the domain. In the Pfam 35.0 database, 4795 (24%) gene families belong to the DUF type, yet, their functions remain to be explored. This review summarizes the characteristics of the DUF protein families and their functions in regulating plant growth and development, generating responses to biotic and abiotic stress, and other regulatory roles in plant life. Though very limited information is available about these proteins yet, by taking advantage of emerging omics and bioinformatic tools, functional studies of DUF proteins could be utilized in future molecular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyun Lv
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinlu Wan
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chunting Zhang
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Aiman Hina
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - G M Al Amin
- Department of Botany, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Naheeda Begum
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (T.Z.)
| | - Tuanjie Zhao
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (T.Z.)
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Mining the Roles of Cucumber DUF966 Genes in Fruit Development and Stress Response. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192497. [PMID: 36235363 PMCID: PMC9572245 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DUF966 genes are widely found in monocotyledons, dicotyledons, mosses, and other species. Current evidence strongly suggests that they are involved in growth regulation and stress tolerance in crops. However, their functions in cucumbers remain unexplored. Here, cucumber CsDUF966 was systemically identified and characterized using bioinformatics. Eight CsDUF966 genes were identified in the cucumber genome. These were phylogenetically separated into three groups. All CsDUF966 proteins were hydrophilic and localized to the nucleus. Moreover, three acidic and five basic proteins were identified. Evolutionary analysis of DUF966 between cucumber and 33 other Cucurbitaceae species/cultivars revealed that most CsDUF966 genes were conserved, whereas CsDUF966_4.c and CsDUF966_7.c were positively selected among the five cucumber cultivars. Expression profiling analysis showed that CsDUF966 had variable expression patterns, and that miRNA164, miRNA166, and Csa-novel-35 were involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of CsDUF966_4.c and CsDUF966_7.c. The expression of CsDUF966_4.c and CsDUF966_7.c, which were under strong neofunctionalization selection, was strictly regulated in fruit and tissues, including seeds, pericarps, peels, and spines, suggesting that these genes are fruit growth regulators and were strongly selected during the cucumber breeding program. In conclusion, the results reveal the roles of CsDUF966s in regulating cucumber fruit development and lay the foundation for further functional studies.
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Si C, He C, Teixeira da Silva JA, Yu Z, Duan J. Metabolic accumulation and related synthetic genes of O-acetyl groups in mannan polysaccharides of Dendrobium officinale. PROTOPLASMA 2022; 259:641-657. [PMID: 34251532 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-021-01672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mannan polysaccharides (MPs), which contain substituted O-acetyl groups in their backbone, are abundant in the medicinal plant Dendrobium officinale. Acetyl groups can influence the physiological and biochemical properties of polysaccharides, which mainly accumulate in the stems of D. officinale at four developmental stages (S1-S4), showing an increasing trend and a link with water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) and mannose. The genes coding for enzymes that catalyze O-acetyl groups to MPs are unknown in D. officinale. The TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE-LIKE (TBL) gene family contains TBL and DUF231 domains that can transfer O-acetyl groups to various polysaccharides. Based on an established D. officinale genome database, 37 DoTBL genes were identified. Analysis of cis-elements in the promoter region showed that DoTBL genes might respond to different hormones and abiotic stresses. Most of the genes with MeJA-responsive elements were upregulated or downregulated after treatment with MeJA. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that DoTBL genes had significantly higher expression levels in stems and leaves than in roots. Eight DoTBL genes showed relatively higher expression at S2-S4 stages, which showed a link with the content of WSPs and O-acetyl groups. DoTBL35 and its homologous gene DoTBL34 displayed the higher mRNA level in different organs and developmental stages, which might participate in the acetylation of MPs in D. officinale. The subcellular localization of DoTBL34 and DoTBL35 reveals that the endoplasmic reticulum may play an important role in the acetylation of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Si
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis of Gene Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunmei He
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis of Gene Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Jaime A Teixeira da Silva
- Independent Researcher, P. O. Box 7, Miki-cho post office, Ikenobe 3011-2, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa-ken, 761-0799, Japan
| | - Zhenming Yu
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis of Gene Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Jun Duan
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis of Gene Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
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Schultz JA, Coleman HD. Pectin and Xylan Biosynthesis in Poplar: Implications and Opportunities for Biofuels Production. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:712083. [PMID: 34490013 PMCID: PMC8418221 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.712083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A potential method by which society's reliance on fossil fuels can be lessened is via the large-scale utilization of biofuels derived from the secondary cell walls of woody plants; however, there remain a number of technical challenges to the large-scale production of biofuels. Many of these challenges emerge from the underlying complexity of the secondary cell wall. The challenges associated with lignin have been well explored elsewhere, but the dicot cell wall components of hemicellulose and pectin also present a number of difficulties. Here, we provide an overview of the research wherein pectin and xylan biosynthesis has been altered, along with investigations on the function of irregular xylem 8 (IRX8) and glycosyltransferase 8D (GT8D), genes putatively involved in xylan and pectin synthesis. Additionally, we provide an analysis of the evidence in support of two hypotheses regarding GT8D and conclude that while there is evidence to lend credence to these hypotheses, there are still questions that require further research and examination.
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Qaseem MF, Wu AM. Balanced Xylan Acetylation is the Key Regulator of Plant Growth and Development, and Cell Wall Structure and for Industrial Utilization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217875. [PMID: 33114198 PMCID: PMC7660596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Xylan is the most abundant hemicellulose, constitutes about 25–35% of the dry biomass of woody and lignified tissues, and occurs up to 50% in some cereal grains. The accurate degree and position of xylan acetylation is necessary for xylan function and for plant growth and development. The post synthetic acetylation of cell wall xylan, mainly regulated by Reduced Wall Acetylation (RWA), Trichome Birefringence-Like (TBL), and Altered Xyloglucan 9 (AXY9) genes, is essential for effective bonding of xylan with cellulose. Recent studies have proven that not only xylan acetylation but also its deacetylation is vital for various plant functions. Thus, the present review focuses on the latest advances in understanding xylan acetylation and deacetylation and explores their effects on plant growth and development. Baseline knowledge about precise regulation of xylan acetylation and deacetylation is pivotal to developing plant biomass better suited for second-generation liquid biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Faisal Qaseem
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ai-Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence:
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Sun A, Yu B, Zhang Q, Peng Y, Yang J, Sun Y, Qin P, Jia T, Smeekens S, Teng S. MYC2-Activated TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE-LIKE37 Acetylates Cell Walls and Enhances Herbivore Resistance. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 184:1083-1096. [PMID: 32732351 PMCID: PMC7536677 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
O-Acetylation of polysaccharides predominantly modifies plant cell walls by changing the physicochemical properties and, consequently, the structure and function of the cell wall. Expression regulation and specific function of cell wall-acetylating enzymes remain to be fully understood. In this report, we cloned a previously identified stunted growth mutant named sucrose uncoupled1 (sun1) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). SUN1 encodes a member of the TRICHOME BIREFRINGEN-LIKE family, AtTBL37 AtTBL37 is highly expressed in fast-growing plant tissues and encodes a Golgi apparatus-localized protein that regulates secondary cell wall thickening and acetylation. In sun1, jasmonate signaling and expression of downstream chemical defense genes, including VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN1 and BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINOTRANSFERASE4, are increased but, unexpectedly, sun1 is more susceptible to insect feeding. The central transcription factor in jasmonate signaling, MYC2, binds to and induces AtTBL37 expression. MYC2 also promotes the expression of many other TBLs Moreover, MYC activity enhances cell wall acetylation. Overexpression of AtTBL37 in the myc2-2 background reduces herbivore feeding. Our study highlights the role of O-acetylation in controlling plant cell wall properties, plant development, and herbivore defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqing Sun
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ping Qin
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sjef Smeekens
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sheng Teng
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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Zhou X, Zhu X, Shao W, Song J, Jiang W, He Y, Yin J, Ma D, Qiao Y. Genome-Wide Mining of Wheat DUF966 Gene Family Provides New Insights Into Salt Stress Responses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:569838. [PMID: 32983219 PMCID: PMC7483657 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.569838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Domain of unknown function (DUF) proteins constitute a great deal of families of functionally uncharacterized proteins in eukaryotes. The DUF966 gene family is found in monocotyledons, dicotyledons, mosses, and other species. However, little is known about the functions of DUF966 genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we identified and characterized the TaDUF966 gene family members in wheat by in silico analysis. A total of 28 TaDUF966 proteins were identified in wheat. Phylogenetic analysis divided these proteins into two groups (Groups I and II). Proteins in each group showed a highly conserved DUF966 domain and conserved motif distribution, implying their functional conservation. Analysis of gene expression profiling data showed that some TaDUF966 genes were induced by salt stress. We further confirmed the role of TaDUF966-9B in salt stress using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay. Compared with the empty vector control, the TaDUF966-9B knockdown plants exhibited severe leaf curling at 10 days post-inoculation with BSMV under salt stress, suggesting that TaDUF966 genes play a vital role in salt stress tolerance in wheat. Taken together, these results expand our knowledge of the evolution of the DUF966 gene family in wheat and promote the potential application of these genes in wheat genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zhou
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenna Shao
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghan Song
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang Jiang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yiqin He
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Junliang Yin
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Ma
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry/Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education/College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yongli Qiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Z, Pawar PMA, Derba-Maceluch M, Hedenström M, Chong SL, Tenkanen M, Jönsson LJ, Mellerowicz EJ. Hybrid Aspen Expressing a Carbohydrate Esterase Family 5 Acetyl Xylan Esterase Under Control of a Wood-Specific Promoter Shows Improved Saccharification. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:380. [PMID: 32322259 PMCID: PMC7156598 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Fast-growing broad-leaf tree species can serve as feedstocks for production of bio-based chemicals and fuels through biochemical conversion of wood to monosaccharides. This conversion is hampered by the xylan acetylation pattern. To reduce xylan acetylation in the wood, the Hypocrea jecorina acetyl xylan esterase (HjAXE) from carbohydrate esterase (CE) family 5 was expressed in hybrid aspen under the control of the wood-specific PtGT43B promoter and targeted to the secretory pathway. The enzyme was predicted to deacetylate polymeric xylan in the vicinity of cellulose due to the presence of a cellulose-binding module. Cell-wall-bound protein fractions from developing wood of transgenic plants were capable of releasing acetyl from finely ground wood powder, indicative of active AXE present in cell walls of these plants, whereas no such activity was detected in wild-type plants. The transgenic lines grew in height and diameter as well as wild-type trees, whereas their internodes were slightly shorter, indicating higher leaf production. The average acetyl content in the wood of these lines was reduced by 13%, mainly due to reductions in di-acetylated xylose units, and in C-2 and C-3 mono-acetylated xylose units. Analysis of soluble cell wall polysaccharides revealed a 4% reduction in the fraction of xylose units and an 18% increase in the fraction of glucose units, whereas the contents of cellulose and lignin were not affected. Enzymatic saccharification of wood from transgenic plants resulted in 27% higher glucose yield than for wild-type plants. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and Simons' staining pointed toward larger surface area and improved cellulose accessibility for wood from transgenic plants compared to wood from wild-type plants, which could be achieved by HjAXE deacetylating xylan bound to cellulose. The results show that CE5 family can serve as a source of enzymes for in planta reduction of recalcitrance to saccharification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, KBC Chemical-Biological Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Marta Derba-Maceluch
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hedenström
- Department of Chemistry, KBC Chemical-Biological Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sun-Li Chong
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija Tenkanen
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leif J. Jönsson
- Department of Chemistry, KBC Chemical-Biological Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ewa J. Mellerowicz
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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Brandon AG, Scheller HV. Engineering of Bioenergy Crops: Dominant Genetic Approaches to Improve Polysaccharide Properties and Composition in Biomass. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:282. [PMID: 32218797 PMCID: PMC7078332 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale, sustainable production of lignocellulosic bioenergy from biomass will depend on a variety of dedicated bioenergy crops. Despite their great genetic diversity, prospective bioenergy crops share many similarities in the polysaccharide composition of their cell walls, and the changes needed to optimize them for conversion are largely universal. Therefore, biomass modification strategies that do not depend on genetic background or require mutant varieties are extremely valuable. Due to their preferential fermentation and conversion by microorganisms downstream, the ideal bioenergy crop should contain a high proportion of C6-sugars in polysaccharides like cellulose, callose, galactan, and mixed-linkage glucans. In addition, the biomass should be reduced in inhibitors of fermentation like pentoses and acetate. Finally, the overall complexity of the plant cell wall should be modified to reduce its recalcitrance to enzymatic deconstruction in ways that do no compromise plant health or come at a yield penalty. This review will focus on progress in the use of a variety of genetically dominant strategies to reach these ideals. Due to the breadth and volume of research in the field of lignin bioengineering, this review will instead focus on approaches to improve polysaccharide component plant biomass. Carbohydrate content can be dramatically increased by transgenic overexpression of enzymes involved in cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis. Additionally, the recalcitrance of the cell wall can be reduced via the overexpression of native or non-native carbohydrate active enzymes like glycosyl hydrolases or carbohydrate esterases. Some research in this area has focused on engineering plants that accumulate cell wall-degrading enzymes that are sequestered to organelles or only active at very high temperatures. The rationale being that, in order to avoid potential negative effects of cell wall modification during plant growth, the enzymes could be activated post-harvest, and post-maturation of the cell wall. A potentially significant limitation of this approach is that at harvest, the cell wall is heavily lignified, making the substrates for these enzymes inaccessible and their activity ineffective. Therefore, this review will only include research employing enzymes that are at least partially active under the ambient conditions of plant growth and cell wall development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Brandon
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Henrik V. Scheller
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Feedstocks Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Wierzbicki MP, Christie N, Pinard D, Mansfield SD, Mizrachi E, Myburg AA. A systems genetics analysis in Eucalyptus reveals coordination of metabolic pathways associated with xylan modification in wood-forming tissues. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:1952-1972. [PMID: 31144333 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Acetyl- and methylglucuronic acid decorations of xylan, the dominant hemicellulose in secondary cell walls (SCWs) of woody dicots, affect its interaction with cellulose and lignin to determine SCW structure and extractability. Genes and pathways involved in these modifications may be targets for genetic engineering; however, little is known about the regulation of xylan modifications in woody plants. To address this, we assessed genetic and gene expression variation associated with xylan modification in developing xylem of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla interspecific hybrids. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping identified potential regulatory polymorphisms affecting gene expression modules associated with xylan modification. We identified 14 putative xylan modification genes that are members of five expression modules sharing seven trans-eQTL hotspots. The xylan modification genes are prevalent in two expression modules. The first comprises nucleotide sugar interconversion pathways supplying the essential precursors for cellulose and xylan biosynthesis. The second contains genes responsible for phenylalanine biosynthesis and S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis required for glucuronic acid and monolignol methylation. Co-expression and co-regulation analyses also identified four metabolic sources of acetyl coenxyme A that appear to be transcriptionally coordinated with xylan modification. Our systems genetics analysis may provide new avenues for metabolic engineering to alter wood SCW biology for enhanced biomass processability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Wierzbicki
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Nanette Christie
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Desré Pinard
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Shawn D Mansfield
- Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Eshchar Mizrachi
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Alexander A Myburg
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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Wierzbicki MP, Maloney V, Mizrachi E, Myburg AA. Xylan in the Middle: Understanding Xylan Biosynthesis and Its Metabolic Dependencies Toward Improving Wood Fiber for Industrial Processing. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:176. [PMID: 30858858 PMCID: PMC6397879 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass, encompassing cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose in plant secondary cell walls (SCWs), is the most abundant source of renewable materials on earth. Currently, fast-growing woody dicots such as Eucalyptus and Populus trees are major lignocellulosic (wood fiber) feedstocks for bioproducts such as pulp, paper, cellulose, textiles, bioplastics and other biomaterials. Processing wood for these products entails separating the biomass into its three main components as efficiently as possible without compromising yield. Glucuronoxylan (xylan), the main hemicellulose present in the SCWs of hardwood trees carries chemical modifications that are associated with SCW composition and ultrastructure, and affect the recalcitrance of woody biomass to industrial processing. In this review we highlight the importance of xylan properties for industrial wood fiber processing and how gaining a greater understanding of xylan biosynthesis, specifically xylan modification, could yield novel biotechnology approaches to reduce recalcitrance or introduce novel processing traits. Altering xylan modification patterns has recently become a focus of plant SCW studies due to early findings that altered modification patterns can yield beneficial biomass processing traits. Additionally, it has been noted that plants with altered xylan composition display metabolic differences linked to changes in precursor usage. We explore the possibility of using systems biology and systems genetics approaches to gain insight into the coordination of SCW formation with other interdependent biological processes. Acetyl-CoA, s-adenosylmethionine and nucleotide sugars are precursors needed for xylan modification, however, the pathways which produce metabolic pools during different stages of fiber cell wall formation still have to be identified and their co-regulation during SCW formation elucidated. The crucial dependence on precursor metabolism provides an opportunity to alter xylan modification patterns through metabolic engineering of one or more of these interdependent pathways. The complexity of xylan biosynthesis and modification is currently a stumbling point, but it may provide new avenues for woody biomass engineering that are not possible for other biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander A. Myburg
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Donev E, Gandla ML, Jönsson LJ, Mellerowicz EJ. Engineering Non-cellulosic Polysaccharides of Wood for the Biorefinery. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1537. [PMID: 30405672 PMCID: PMC6206411 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-cellulosic polysaccharides constitute approximately one third of usable woody biomass for human exploitation. In contrast to cellulose, these substances are composed of several different types of unit monosaccharides and their backbones are substituted by various groups. Their structural diversity and recent examples of their modification in transgenic plants and mutants suggest they can be targeted for improving wood-processing properties, thereby facilitating conversion of wood in a biorefinery setting. Critical knowledge on their structure-function relationship is slowly emerging, although our understanding of molecular interactions responsible for observed phenomena is still incomplete. This review: (1) provides an overview of structural features of major non-cellulosic polysaccharides of wood, (2) describes the fate of non-cellulosic polysaccharides during biorefinery processing, (3) shows how the non-cellulosic polysaccharides impact lignocellulose processing focused on yields of either sugars or polymers, and (4) discusses outlooks for the improvement of tree species for biorefinery by modifying the structure of non-cellulosic polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniy Donev
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Ewa J. Mellerowicz
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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Li F, Liu S, Xu H, Xu Q. A novel FC17/CESA4 mutation causes increased biomass saccharification and lodging resistance by remodeling cell wall in rice. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:298. [PMID: 30410573 PMCID: PMC6211429 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rice not only produces grains for human beings, but also provides large amounts of lignocellulose residues, which recently highlighted as feedstock for biofuel production. Genetic modification of plant cell walls can potentially enhance biomass saccharification; however, it remains a challenge to maintain a normal growth with enhanced lodging resistance in rice. RESULTS In this study, rice (Oryza sativa) mutant fc17, which harbors the substitution (F426S) at the plant-conserved region (P-CR) of cellulose synthase 4 (CESA4) protein, exhibited slightly affected plant growth and 17% higher lodging resistance compared to the wild-type. More importantly, the mutant showed a 1.68-fold enhancement in biomass saccharification efficiency. Cell wall composition analysis showed a reduction in secondary wall thickness and cellulose content, and compensatory increase in hemicelluloses and lignin content. Both X-ray diffraction and calcofluor staining demonstrated a significant reduction in cellulose crystallinity, which should be a key factor for its high saccharification. Proteomic profiling of wild-type and fc17 plants further indicated a possible mechanism by which mutation induces cellulose deposition and cell wall remodeling. CONCLUSION These results suggest that CESA4 P-CR site mutation affects cell wall features especially cellulose structure and thereby causes enhancement in biomass digestion and lodging resistance. Therefore, CESA4 P-CR region is promising target for cell wall modification to facilitate the breeding of bioenergy rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengcheng Li
- Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866 China
| | - Sitong Liu
- Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866 China
| | - Hai Xu
- Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866 China
| | - Quan Xu
- Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866 China
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