Abstract Detail

Physiological Section

Nguyen-Tran, Nguyen [1], Yao, Zhen [1], Levin, David B. [2], Ayele, Belay T. [1].

Characterization of lignin formation in wheat biomass.

Production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass including crop residues such as wheat straw has been considered as a viable option to meet the ever increasing demands for energy without affecting the quality of our environment. However, lignin hinders the efficiency bioethanol production from plant biomass as it confers recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrolysis, and genetic reduction of lignin content/composition has been considered as one of the solutions to this problem. To gain insights into the molecular features regulating lignin deposition in wheat biomass, this study performed comprehensive analysis of the expression of candidate lignin biosynthesis genes in wheat biomass. Our data revealed the predominance of PAL8, C4H1, 4CL1, HCT1, C3H1, CCoAOMT1, CCR1/CCR2, F5H2, COMT2 and CAD2 in their respective family in all vegetative tissues assayed, suggesting their significance in controlling lignin formation in wheat biomass. The transcript level of these genes was higher in the internode than other tissues studied. Comparison of gene expression and lignin content between three commercial wheat cultivars, however, revealed a close association of internode lignin content with the expression of 4CL1, F5H2 and COMT2 genes, suggesting that these genes are key regulators of lignin formation in the stem tissue. Furthermore, the study showed absence of a close association between lignin formation in the internode and leaf tissues, suggesting their regulation by a different mechanism.

1 - University of Manitoba, Plant Science, 222 Agriculture Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
2 - University of Manitoba, Department of Biosystems Engineering, E2-376 Eitc, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Canada

Keywords:
wheat
lignin
gene expression
biomass.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPS006
Abstract ID:1107
Candidate for Awards:None