Cellulose synthase-like CslF genes mediate the synthesis of cell wall (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans.
A characteristic feature of grasses and commercially important cereals is the presence of (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucans in their cell walls. We have used comparative genomics to link a major quantitative trait locus for (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucan content in barley grain to a cluster of cellulose synthase-like CslF genes in rice. After insertion of rice CslF genes into Arabidopsis, we detected (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucan in walls of transgenic plants using specific monoclonal antibodies and enzymatic analysis. Because wild-type Arabidopsis does not contain CslF genes or have (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucans in its walls, these experiments provide direct, gain-of-function evidence for the participation of rice CslF genes in (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucan biosynthesis.
Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics; School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine; University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
Rachel A
RA
Burton
Sarah M
SM
Wilson
Maria
M
Hrmova
Andrew J
AJ
Harvey
Neil J
NJ
Shirley
Anne
A
Medhurst
Bruce A
BA
Stone
Edward J
EJ
Newbigin
Antony
A
Bacic
Geoffrey B
GB
Fincher
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018745:Genome, Plant; D023281:Genomics; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D001467:Hordeum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D012275:Oryza / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D026801:Synteny; D014170:Transformation, Genetic; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D047071:beta-Glucans; C067858:beta-glucan, (1-3)(1-4)-; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C040232:glucan synthase