Monolignol ferulate transferase introduces chemically labile linkages into the lignin backbone.
Redesigning lignin, the aromatic polymer fortifying plant cell walls, to be more amenable to chemical depolymerization can lower the energy required for industrial processing. We have engineered poplar trees to introduce ester linkages into the lignin polymer backbone by augmenting the monomer pool with monolignol ferulate conjugates. Herein, we describe the isolation of a transferase gene capable of forming these conjugates and its xylem-specific introduction into poplar. Enzyme kinetics, in planta expression, lignin structural analysis, and improved cell wall digestibility after mild alkaline pretreatment demonstrate that these trees produce the monolignol ferulate conjugates, export them to the wall, and use them during lignification. Tailoring plants to use such conjugates during cell wall biosynthesis is a promising way to produce plants that are designed for deconstruction.
Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
C G
CG
Wilkerson
S D
SD
Mansfield
F
F
Lu
S
S
Withers
J-Y
JY
Park
S D
SD
Karlen
E
E
Gonzales-Vigil
D
D
Padmakshan
F
F
Unda
J
J
Rencoret
J
J
Ralph
D000217:Acyltransferases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D029971:Angelica sinensis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D017343:Genes, Plant; D008031:Lignin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000201:enzymology; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D032107:Populus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D003373:Coumaric Acids; D008031:Lignin; C004999:ferulic acid; D000217:Acyltransferases