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Functional characterization of CCR in birch ( Betula platyphylla × Betula pendula ) through overexpression and suppression analysis
Author(s) -
Zhang Wenbo,
Wei Rui,
Chen Su,
Jiang Jing,
Li Huiyu,
Huang Haijiao,
Yang Guang,
Wang Shuo,
Wei Hairong,
Liu Guifeng
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/ppl.12306
Subject(s) - betula platyphylla , betula pendula , xylem , lignin , botany , context (archaeology) , meristem , biology , transgene , gene , biochemistry , shoot , paleontology
We cloned a Cinnamoyl‐ CoA Reductase gene ( BpCCR1 ) from an apical meristem and first internode of Betula platyphylla and characterized its functions in lignin biosynthesis, wood formation and tree growth through transgenic approaches. We generated overexpression and suppression transgenic lines and analyzed them in comparison with the wild‐type in terms of lignin content, anatomical characteristics, height and biomass. We found that BpCCR1 overexpression could increase lignin content up to 14.6%, and its underexpression decreased lignin content by 6.3%. Surprisingly, modification of BpCCR1 expression led to conspicuous changes in wood characteristics, including xylem vessel number and arrangement, and secondary wall thickness. The growth of transgenic trees in terms of height was also significantly influenced by the modification of BpCCR1 genes. We discuss the functions of BpCCR1 in the context of a phylogenetic tree built with CCR genes from multiple species.