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The fasciclin‐like arabinogalactan protein family of Eucalyptus grandis contains members that impact wood biology and biomechanics
Author(s) -
MacMillan Colleen P.,
Taylor Lynette,
Bi Yingdong,
Southerton Simon G.,
Evans Rob,
Spokevicius Antanas
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.13320
Subject(s) - xylem , biology , secondary cell wall , arabinogalactan , cell wall , eucalyptus , botany , microfibril , arabidopsis , cellulose , gene , genetics , biochemistry , mutant
Summary Fasciclin‐like arabinogalactan protein ( FLA ) families have been identified and characterised in key plant species, with some members exhibiting functional specialization. Here we identify the FLA family of Eucalyptus grandis , and investigate the roles of three single‐ FAS domain FLA s, with particular focus on secondary cell‐wall formation and wood properties. We use various in‐silico approaches to identify and characterise E. grandis genome FLA s, and perform phylogenetic comparisons with other species. For three key FLA s, we perform functional testing including promoter‐reporter and overexpression transgenic approaches using eucalypts, poplar and tobacco. Of the 18 eucalypt FLA s identified, several were specifically and highly expressed in stems. The specificity to stem xylem vessel and fibre development was demonstrated with Eni FLA 1 promoter: GUS studies in several species. Testing of select eucalypt FLA s resulted in altered wood development and properties, for example 35S: Egr FLA 2 led to a 3 degree reduction in cellulose microfibril angle in eucalypt xylem fibres, and 35S: Egr FLA 3 to a reduction in tobacco stem flexural strength. These results indicate that the eucalypt FLA family contains diverse members, and particular members with single FAS domains that are functionally specialized for secondary cell wall growth and properties.