Identification of genes preferentially expressed during wood formation in Eucalyptus (original) (raw)

Transcript profiling of Eucalyptus xylem genes during tension wood formation

New Phytologist, 2005

• Tension wood formed in response to gravitational force is a striking example of the plasticity of angiosperm wood. In this study our goal was to characterize the early changes in gene expression during tension wood formation in Eucalyptus.• Using cDNA array technology, transcript profiling of 231 genes preferentially expressed in differentiating Eucalyptus xylem was followed from 6 h to 1 wk of a tension time course of artificially bent Eucalyptus trees.• 196 genes were differentially regulated between control and bent trees, some exhibiting distinctive expression patterns related to changes in secondary cell wall structure and composition. For instance, expression of a cellulose synthase gene was well correlated with the appearance of the G-layers. Cluster correlation analysis revealed differential regulation of lignin biosynthetic genes and may also be used to help infer the function of unknown gene products.• Eucalyptus wood transcriptome analysis during tension wood formation not only provided new clues into the transcriptional regulatory network of genes preferentially expressed in xylem, but also highlighted candidate genes responsible for the genetic and environmentally induced variation of wood quality traits.Tension wood formed in response to gravitational force is a striking example of the plasticity of angiosperm wood. In this study our goal was to characterize the early changes in gene expression during tension wood formation in Eucalyptus.Using cDNA array technology, transcript profiling of 231 genes preferentially expressed in differentiating Eucalyptus xylem was followed from 6 h to 1 wk of a tension time course of artificially bent Eucalyptus trees.196 genes were differentially regulated between control and bent trees, some exhibiting distinctive expression patterns related to changes in secondary cell wall structure and composition. For instance, expression of a cellulose synthase gene was well correlated with the appearance of the G-layers. Cluster correlation analysis revealed differential regulation of lignin biosynthetic genes and may also be used to help infer the function of unknown gene products.Eucalyptus wood transcriptome analysis during tension wood formation not only provided new clues into the transcriptional regulatory network of genes preferentially expressed in xylem, but also highlighted candidate genes responsible for the genetic and environmentally induced variation of wood quality traits.

Transcript profiling of a xylem vs phloem cDNA subtractive library identifies new genes expressed during xylogenesis in Eucalyptus

New Phytologist, 2006

• Eucalyptus is one of the world's main sources of biomass. The genus includes species representing the principle hardwood trees used for pulp and paper. Here, we aimed to identify genes specifically expressed in differentiating secondary xylem compared with phloem.• We constructed a xylem vs phloem subtractive library (Xp) that generated 263 unique sequences. By transcript profiling of xylem, phloem, vascular cambium and leaves using macroarrays, we classified the 263 unigenes into distinct tissue-specific groups. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the differential expression of representative expressed sequence tags (ESTs).• A total of 87 unigenes were preferentially expressed in xylem. They were involved in functional categories known to play roles in xylogenesis, such as hormone signaling and metabolism, secondary cell wall thickening and proteolysis. Some of these genes, including unknown genes, may be considered xylem-specific and they are likely to control important functions in xylogenesis.• These data shed light on the cellular functions of xylem cells and, importantly, provide us with a portfolio of Eucalyptus xylem genes that may be major players in the control of wood formation and quality.Eucalyptus is one of the world's main sources of biomass. The genus includes species representing the principle hardwood trees used for pulp and paper. Here, we aimed to identify genes specifically expressed in differentiating secondary xylem compared with phloem.We constructed a xylem vs phloem subtractive library (Xp) that generated 263 unique sequences. By transcript profiling of xylem, phloem, vascular cambium and leaves using macroarrays, we classified the 263 unigenes into distinct tissue-specific groups. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the differential expression of representative expressed sequence tags (ESTs).A total of 87 unigenes were preferentially expressed in xylem. They were involved in functional categories known to play roles in xylogenesis, such as hormone signaling and metabolism, secondary cell wall thickening and proteolysis. Some of these genes, including unknown genes, may be considered xylem-specific and they are likely to control important functions in xylogenesis.These data shed light on the cellular functions of xylem cells and, importantly, provide us with a portfolio of Eucalyptus xylem genes that may be major players in the control of wood formation and quality.

Analysis of Wood Development with a Genomic Approach: Eucalyptus ESTs and TAC Genomic Library

Progress in Biotechnology, 2001

A forest tree is one of the valuable biomass resources in industry. Understanding the physiology of wood development is important for utilization of the biomass. To get comprehensive understanding the development, we are collecting the genome-scale information in forest trees. ESTs are being obtained from differentiating xylem and leaves of several Eucalyptus species that are used as model trees. Purposes of this project are 1; to identify a large number of ESTs, 2; to analyze their expression profiles using cDNA arrays, 3; to compare Eucalyptus ESTs with other plant ESTs. On the basis of the genome-scale information, we want to focus on gene expression peculiar to forest trees. We are also constructing TAC (Transformation-competent Artificial Chromosome) genomic libraries in several Eucalyptus species. The current status of this project will be discussed.

A new genomic resource dedicated to wood formation in Eucalyptus

BMC Plant Biology, 2009

Background: Renowned for their fast growth, valuable wood properties and wide adaptability, Eucalyptus species are amongst the most planted hardwoods in the world, yet they are still at the early stages of domestication because conventional breeding is slow and costly. Thus, there is huge potential for marker-assisted breeding programs to improve traits such as wood properties. To this end, the sequencing, analysis and annotation of a large collection of expressed sequences tags (ESTs) from genes involved in wood formation in Eucalyptus would provide a valuable resource.

Comprehensive Genome-Wide Analysis of the Aux/IAA Gene Family in Eucalyptus: Evidence for the Role of EgrIAA4 in Wood Formation

Plant & cell physiology, 2015

Auxin plays a pivotal role in various plant growth and development processes, including vascular differentiation. The modulation of auxin responsiveness through the auxin perception and signaling machinery is believed to be a major regulatory mechanism controlling cambium activity and wood formation. To gain more insights into the roles of key Aux/IAA gene regulators of the auxin response in these processes, we identified and characterized members of the Aux/IAA family in the genome of Eucalyptus grandis, a tree of worldwide economic importance. We found that the gene family in Eucalyptus is slightly smaller than that in Populus and Arabidopsis, but all phylogenetic groups are represented. High-throughput expression profiling of different organs and tissues highlighted several Aux/IAA genes expressed in vascular cambium and/or developing xylem, some showing differential expression in response to developmental (juvenile vs. mature) and/or to environmental (tension stress) cues. Based...

Transcriptional Profiles of Hybrid Eucalyptus Genotypes with Contrasting Lignin Content Reveal That Monolignol Biosynthesis-related Genes Regulate Wood Composition

Frontiers in plant science, 2016

Eucalyptus species constitutes the most widely planted hardwood trees in temperate and subtropical regions. In this study, we compared the transcript levels of genes involved in lignocellulose formation such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin biosynthesis in two selected 3-year old hybrid Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis) genotypes (AM063 and AM380) that have different lignin content. AM063 and AM380 had 20.2 and 35.5% of Klason lignin content and 59.0 and 48.2%, α-cellulose contents, respectively. We investigated the correlation between wood properties and transcript levels of wood formation-related genes using RNA-seq with total RNAs extracted from developing xylem tissues at a breast height. Transcript levels of cell wall construction genes such as cellulose synthase (CesA) and sucrose synthase (SUSY) were almost the same in both genotypes. However, AM063 exhibited higher transcript levels of UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and xyloglucan endotransglucoxyla...

De novo assembled expressed gene catalog of a fast-growing Eucalyptus tree produced by Illumina mRNA-Seq

BMC Genomics, 2010

Background: De novo assembly of transcript sequences produced by short-read DNA sequencing technologies offers a rapid approach to obtain expressed gene catalogs for non-model organisms. A draft genome sequence will be produced in 2010 for a Eucalyptus tree species (E. grandis) representing the most important hardwood fibre crop in the world. Genome annotation of this valuable woody plant and genetic dissection of its superior growth and productivity will be greatly facilitated by the availability of a comprehensive collection of expressed gene sequences from multiple tissues and organs. Results: We present an extensive expressed gene catalog for a commercially grown E. grandis × E. urophylla hybrid clone constructed using only Illumina mRNA-Seq technology and de novo assembly. A total of 18,894 transcriptderived contigs, a large proportion of which represent full-length protein coding genes were assembled and annotated. Analysis of assembly quality, length and diversity show that this dataset represent the most comprehensive expressed gene catalog for any Eucalyptus tree. mRNA-Seq analysis furthermore allowed digital expression profiling of all of the assembled transcripts across diverse xylogenic and non-xylogenic tissues, which is invaluable for ascribing putative gene functions.

Xylem transcription profiles indicate potential metabolic responses for economically relevant characteristics of Eucalyptus species

BMC Genomics, 2013

Eucalyptus is one of the most important sources of industrial cellulose. Three species of this botanical group are intensively used in breeding programs: E. globulus, E. grandis and E. urophylla. E. globulus is adapted to subtropical/temperate areas and is considered a source of high-quality cellulose; E. grandis grows rapidly and is adapted to tropical/subtropical climates; and E. urophylla, though less productive, is considered a source of genes related to robustness. Wood, or secondary xylem, results from cambium vascular differentiation and is mostly composed of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses. In this study, the xylem transcriptomes of the three Eucalyptus species were investigated in order to provide insights on the particularities presented by each of these species.

A systems genetics analysis in Eucalyptus reveals coordination of metabolic pathways associated with xylan modification in wood forming tissues

New Phytologist, 2019

 Acetyl and (methyl)glucuronic acid decorations of xylan, the dominant hemicellulose in secondary cell walls (SCWs) of woody dicots, affects its interaction with cellulose and lignin to determine SCW structure and extractability. Genes and pathways involved in these modifications may be targets for genetic engineering, however, little is known about the regulation of xylan modifications in woody plants.  To address this, we assessed genetic and gene expression variation associated with xylan modification in developing xylem of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla interspecific hybrids. Expression QTL (eQTL) mapping identified potential regulatory polymorphisms affecting gene expression modules associated with xylan modification.  We identified 14 putative xylan modification genes that are members of five expression modules sharing seven trans-eQTL hotspots. The xylan modification genes are prevalent in two expression modules. The first comprises nucleotide sugar interconversion pathways supplying the essential precursors for cellulose and xylan biosynthesis. The second contains genes responsible for phenylalanine biosynthesis and S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis required for glucuronic acid and monolignol methylation. Co-expression and co-regulation analyses also identified four metabolic sources of acetyl-CoA that appear to be transcriptionally coordinated with xylan modification.  Our systems genetics analysis may provide new avenues for metabolic engineering to alter wood SCW biology for enhanced biomass processability.