Cellulose Biosynthesis Research Articles (Page 1)

BrRAV8 negatively modulates thermotolerance through suppressing cellulose biosynthesis in flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee).

Abstract Indaziflam is a long-term residual weed control option for Georgia pecan [ Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] growers. As a nonselective cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor, indaziflam has a niche for broad-spectrum weed control with long residual activity in various perennial cropping systems. Indaziflam’s soil persistence and chemical behavior at various temperatures have not been fully evaluated; therefore, the objectives of these experiments were to: (1) quantify indaziflam soil dissipation under field conditions in two common Georgia soils and (2) evaluate indaziflam molecular stability as affected by temperature and time using laboratory techniques. Indaziflam soil dissipation followed first-order kinetics and was adequately described by the exponential decay equation. Indaziflam half-life in Greenville sandy clay loam and Faceville loamy sand was 96 and 78 d, respectively. Indaziflam half-life and soil clay content had a direct relationship, while indaziflam half-life and microbial biomass had an inverse relationship. Aqueous solutions of indaziflam were exposed to temperatures that ranged from 20 to 70 C for up to 672 h, with results indicating that temperature had no influence on indaziflam’s molecular stability.

Trees harbor large stores of nonstructural carbohydrates, some of which are quite old (> 10 yr), yet we know little of how these older stores may be used for woody growth. Crucially, the use of old carbohydrates during cellulose biosynthesis could confound climate reconstructions that rely on tree ring stable isotope ratios. We analyzed tree-ring cellulose Δ14C and δ13C in earlywood of two pine species from montane forests in western North America using tree rings produced during the radiocarbon bomb pulse (1966-1980). Comparison of the Δ14C from ponderosa pine in Utah with estimates of atmospheric 14CO2 showed that the cellulose Δ14C values can be explained using only carbon fixed in the same growing season as ring construction. In the more arid Arizona pine, the cellulose Δ14C values indicate that up to 50% of the carbon used in tree-ring construction can be from photosynthate assimilated the year before ring construction. Correlations between cellulose δ13C time series and aridity indices validated the results obtained from Δ14C values. The results reveal that in some semiarid coniferous forests, tree-ring isotope composition could partially reflect the climate from at least one previous growing season, but that carbon sources older than 2 yr are likely seldom used.

COBL genes play an important role in the biosynthesis of cellulose, the main component of the cell wall. This study aimed to identify and characterize members of the COBL gene family that have not been characterized in the spinach genome. Eleven COBL members carrying the COBRA and/or COBL domains were found in the spinach genome. Among the So-COBL proteins, So-COBL1 and So-COBL2 are unstable. All So-COBL proteins are hydrophilic and, with aliphatic indices below 100, are not heat-stable. Both tandem and segmental duplications have occurred during the evolution of So-COBL genes. Because the Ka/Ks ratio is less than one, they have been subjected to purifying selection throughout evolution, eliminating deleterious variants. So-COBL genes contain cis elements in their promoter region that respond to many environmental stimuli, particularly hormone and light responses. Phylogeny analysis of spinach, Arabidopsis, and quinoa COBL genes revealed two groups, COBRA and COBL7-like. The intron-exon organization, motif, and domain structure of the genes grouped in the same group are similar. Synteny analysis revealed further orthology between quinoa and spinach. This study highlights the importance of COBL genes for future studies.

Cellulose biosynthesis and function in Streptomyces.

BackgroundEucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis (E. urograndis) is a globally significant forest tree species renowned for its rapid growth, high yield, and exceptional wood production efficiency. A comparative analysis of its parental genomes, coupled with an in-depth investigation of the expression patterns of wood-related genes, will provide critical genomic resources to enhance research and utilization of this superior eucalypt hybrid species.ResultsIn this study, we present a draft genome assembly consisting of 592.09 Mb of data, with 99.91% anchored to 11 pseudochromosomes. The assembly achieved a contig N50 of up to 3.73 Mb and a scaffold N50 of up to 58.62 Mb. Gene annotation and evaluation revealed that the E. urograndis genome contains 32,151 genes, of which 93.50% were fully annotated using Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs). Based on evolutionary analysis, E. grandis and E. urograndis are estimated to have diverged approximately 2.90 million years ago (Mya). Additionally, 131 gene families were found to be significantly expanded, and 475 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in the E. urograndis genome. Furthermore, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was employed to analyze allele-specific expression patterns of key enzymes involved in cellulose, xylan, and lignin biosynthesis. Several allele-specific expression genes (ASEGs) were identified, potentially associated with heterosis in E. urograndis.ConclusionsThe chromosomal-level genome assembly of E. urograndis presented in this study serves as a valuable genomic resource for eucalyptus molecular breeding, provides novel insights into its evolution, wood formation improvement, and adaptability, and enhances our understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis in Eucalyptus hybrids.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07371-3.

The plant cell wall serves as the primary structural barrier against herbivorous insect damage. Calcium ions (Ca2+) play a crucial role as a second messenger in plants. Exogenous calcium application has been demonstrated to enhance plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby promoting sustainable crop production. This study investigates the mechanisms by which exogenous calcium induces resistance in rice. Our results show that calcium chloride (CaCl₂) promotes the biosynthesis of cellulose, pectin, and callose within the rice cell wall. It also up-regulates the expression of genes associated with cell wall component synthesis (OsCESA8, OsPME15, and OsGRP0.9) and callose synthesis (OsGSL1, OsGSL10, and OsGSL12). These biochemical modifications strengthen the cell wall structure, resulting in reduced nutrient availability for the female brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. Consequently, the growth and development of BPH are hindered, ovarian development is delayed, and the expression levels of NlVg and NlVgR genes are reduced. These physiological alterations lead to a shortened oviposition period, reduced longevity, and decreased fecundity in female BPH. Our findings indicate that CaCl₂ strengthens the cell wall structure and promotes callose deposition as a critical defense mechanism in rice. This research provides a foundation for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes underlying exogenous calcium-induced resistance in rice and offers a promising strategy for environmentally friendly BPH management.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12284-025-00850-z.

Although the formation of "palmelloid-like" cells as a response to environmental stress has been sporadically reported in Chlorella sp., the association between morphological and molecular indices has been poorly understood. Hence, this study investigated the morphological and molecular effects of ethanol stress on C. sorokiniana by providing 0.0%, 0.025%, and 0.1% (v/v) ethanol. The results showed that cell growth, chlorophyll a, and photosynthetic efficiency were promoted under 0.025% ethanol. In contrast, the cells under 0.1% ethanol treatment were highly stressed; cell growth and physiological activities were inhibited, the content of cellular lipid, carbohydrate, reactive oxygen species, and the cell volume increased, and palmelloid-like structures with copious cell envelopes and higher cell wall carbohydrate contents were observed. The transcriptomic gene set enrichment analysis showed that chitin binding and organelle organization were upregulated while the developmental process was downregulated. Genes for actin-related-2, auxin-biding 1, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alpha1, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase 2 isoform A, and cytokinesis dedicator 4 were downregulated, whereas polysaccharide export, putative polygalacturonase, carbohydrate deacetylase, chitin, cellulose biosynthesis, and unsaturation of fatty acids were upregulated, implying polysaccharide was incorporated into the cell wall, and the rigidity of the cell membrane was promoted. These results suggest the suppression of the developmental process and cytokinesis and the overexpression of microtubules and cell-envelope genes could be the driving force for palmelloid-like structure formation, which could enhance the survival of cells under stress conditions by reducing cell surface area, promoting the production of protective cover and settleability, and adjusting cell rigidity.

A sustainable strategy for biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose using a microbial symbiotic culture from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) waste hydrolysate

Mt-GPAT1/2 are involved in cutin biosynthesis and negatively regulate SCW formation by modulating the lignin and cellulose synthesis genes. Alterations in cuticle and SCW lead to plant water imbalance. Trichomes and cuticles are critical epidermal adaptations that serve protective roles in plants. The cuticle functions as a barrier, allowing for controlled interactions between the plant and its environment. Cutin synthesis is crucial for plants to withstand various external stresses. In this study, we report on the Arabidopsis mutant gpat1 gpat2, which exhibits a highly permeable cuticle and defects in trichome development. Mutation of GPAT1 and GPAT2 resulted in a reduction of cutin monomer. In gpat1 gpat2, the structure of the cuticular layer of the cell wall is notably altered. Additionally, GPAT1 and GPAT2 are found to downregulate the expression of genes involved in lignin and cellulose biosynthesis, which are related to secondary cell wall (SCW) formation. The dysfunction of GPAT1 and GPAT2 disrupted the water balance of the plant. Our findings reveal a network where mitochondrial GPAT1 and GPAT2 play roles in maintaining water balance by participating in both Arabidopsis cutin synthesis and SCW formation.

Abstract This study investigated the influence of tree diameter at breast height (DBH) on Melia dubia pulpwood properties via gene expression analysis. In this study, different DBH classes, such as 10.0 cm, 15.0 cm and 20.0 cm, were considered for pulpwood chemical properties. Compared with the other classes, the 15.0 cm DBH class presented the highest cellulose content (69.6%), moderate lignin content (21.0%) and kappa number value (17.2). Additionally, it has the highest tear index (4.9), indicating stronger paper quality. On the other hand, the 20.0 cm DBH class had greater lignin content (24.8%) and a kappa number of 18.6, reducing its pulping efficiency. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that higher expression of cellulose synthesis genes (Ces2, Ces4) was associated with the 15.0 cm DBH class, whereas lignin biosynthesis genes (CAD2, LAC8) were highly expressed in the 20.0 cm DBH class. Additionally, the correlations between gene expression and wood properties and growth traits corresponded, suggesting that DBH influences cellulose and lignin biosynthesis, affecting pulp quality. Thus, the 15.0 cm DBH class is optimal for harvesting, balancing high cellulose content and favourable lignin levels, leading to improved pulp yield and paper strength.

IntroductionCOBRA-Like (CBL) genes encode glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) -anchored proteins specific to plants that play important roles in cellulose biosynthesis in primary and secondary cell walls.MethodsThis study used a bioinformatics approach to characterize the CBL family genes in Sorghum bicolor (S. bicolor) at the genome-wide level to investigate their potential functions in S. bicolor development.ResultsThe results revealed the identification of 10 CBL genes in the BTx623 and E048 S. bicolor genomes, respectively. A comparative analysis of conserved Motifs revealed that all CBL family genes in S. bicolor possess CCVS conserved structural domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the family can be divided into two subfamilies, with genes within each subfamily exhibiting similar gene structures and physicochemical properties. Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) played an important role in the expansion of SbCBL gene family. The tissue-specific expression patterns of SbCBL genes suggest varying expression levels across different organs and tissues in S. bicolor, with SbCBL1, SbCBL5, and SbCBL9 showing significantly higher expression levels in roots. PEG and NaCl treatments significantly affected SbCBL expression levels. SbCBL4 expression increased after PEG treatment, while SbCBL9 expression decreased after NaCl treatment.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides new insights into the role of the CBL gene family in S. bicolor.

Efficient photosynthesis and economic water use are essential for citrus growth, development and fruit production. The present study was aimed to characterize these processes in current-year spring, autumn, summer and spring shoots of citrus hybrid OP with cultivars ‘Orah’ (OR) and ‘Ponkan’ (PO) and citrus hybrid NT with cultivars ‘Newhall navel orange’ (NO) and ‘Tarocco’ (TA). Cultivars NO and PO show mid-fruit ripening, and cultivars TA and OR late-fruit ripening under field conditions. To characterize photosynthesis and water use, CO2 and H2O gas exchange, water use efficiency and expression of related genes were analyzed. The CO2 and H2O gas exchange parameters measured were determined by hybrid, cultivar and leaf type. Genes involved in lipid and pectin catabolic processes, cell wall biogenesis and modification, carbohydrate and xyloglucan metabolism, cellulose biosynthesis and cell growth were significantly upregulated in current-year spring shoots compared to the other leaf types investigated. Expression of photosynthesis- and transpiration-related genes was significantly enhanced in leaves of late-ripening cultivar OR compared to the other cultivars. These results indicate that the two hybrids of the four citrus cultivars studied differ in the expression of photosynthesis- and transpiration-related genes, but these differences cannot be attributed to fruit maturation.

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) play important roles in cellulose biosynthesis in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating their interactions with cortical microtubule (MT) arrays remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the companion of cellulose synthase 1 (CC1), an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) MAP that stabilizes cellulose biosynthesis during salt stress by maintaining the integrity of the cortical MT array. The N-terminal domain of CC1 (CC1NTD) is sufficient to restore cellulose biosynthesis in Arabidopsis cc1cc2 knockout mutants. We used a combination of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, and computational modeling to determine the structural characteristics of CC1NTD and its interactions with MTs. SANS measurements combined with deuterium labeling of CC1NTD allowed the structural features of CC1NTD and MTs to be deconvoluted and analyzed separately. CC1NTD bound to the MT surface and promoted interactions between neighboring MTs to form tightly associated arrays. In addition, CC1NTD appeared to be in an extended conformation during MT interactions, which could be important for forming cross-bridges between MTs during salt stress. Overall, this study provides structural insights into the mechanisms associated with a disordered MT-binding region in an MAP and provides an explanation for CC1's efficient organization of MTs, highlighting its importance in cellulose biosynthesis under stress conditions.

Agave striata transcriptome reveals candidate cellulose synthase A genes involved in sisal cellulose biosynthesis.

This work aims to report on the mechanism of action by which Cronobacter sakazakii virulence is impacted by α-linolenic acid (ALA), a C18:3 fatty acid. To elucidate this, two concentrations of ALA (250 and 1000µmol L-1) were added exogenously to C. sakazakii 29 544 in tryptic soy broth. Quantitative proteomic analysis using label-free mass spectrometry showed significantly different proteomic profiles of treated and control C. sakazakii samples. Across both ALA treatments, a total of 11 flagellar proteins were identified as reduced in abundance and showed a dose-dependent response. Gene expression studies revealed ALA acts as a negative regulator of fliD, flgL and fliE. The TTC motility medium assay and the soft agar assay were performed to determine the effect of ALA on bacterial motility and results showed reduced motility of C. sakazakii (P=0.01, 0.001). Other proteins with altered abundance include the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, the iron donor protein IscX and the cellulose biosynthesis protein BcsR. Antimicrobial lipids, such as fatty acids, are reported to act as regulatory molecules, capable of modulating virulence factors in Gram-negative pathogens such as Cholera and Salmonella species. Through proteomic analysis, RT-qPCR and functional assays, the results indicate that ALA negatively regulates flagellar genes, resulting in reduced expression of structural proteins and subsequent loss of motility.

Elucidating molecular mechanism of PA1136 family transcriptional regulator in bacterial cellulose biosynthesis by Novacetimonas cocois WE7 through multi-omics approaches

PdbNAC1 transcription factor confers salt tolerance by regulating stress-response and secondary wall biosynthesis genes in Populus davidiana × P. bolleana.

The use of acid whey as a medium is an innovative approach to bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis in co-cultures of acetic acid bacteria with lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of obtaining BC in acid whey by co-culturing K. xylinus with selected strains of lactic acid bacteria and comparing the properties of this biopolymer with BC obtained in K. xylinus monoculture. The K. xylinus + Lb. acidophilus co-culture yielded 2.19g·L-1 of BC, which was 125% more than the K. xylinus monoculture. Additionally, K. xylinus in co-culture with Lb. acidophilus increased the degradation temperature of BC to 361°C compared to 303°C for BC obtained in monoculture. The BC obtained in the co-cultures showed better mechanical properties. BC obtained in co-culture with Lb. delbrueckii showed more than twice the Young's modulus than BC from monoculture. Moreover, strain at break BC from co-culture with Lb. acidophilus and stress at break BC from co-culture with Lb. helveticus were 72% and 54% higher, respectively, than BC obtained from monoculture K. xylinus. In this study, it was shown that conducting acetic-lactic co-cultures increased the efficiency of BC biosynthesis and improved its properties. Moreover, this study has shown that acid whey is a sufficient and complete substrate for obtaining BC. Results presented in this paper indicate new possibilities for the management of this side product. KEY POINTS: • The K. xylinus + Lb. acidophilus co-culture produced 125% more cellulose than the monoculture. • High lactic acid content and low pH of acid whey enhance cellulose biosynthesis. • Acetic acid-lactic acid co-cultures improved the mechanical properties of cellulose.

Wood is primarily made up of secondary xylem cell walls, with lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose as the main chemical components. The presence of lignin represents recalcitrance to wood pulping and biofuel conversion. Consequently, reducing lignin content is a key approach to improving wood properties and optimizing its processing. In this study, we suppressed lignin biosynthesis by overexpressing a mutated transcription repressor PdLTF1AA and enhanced cellulose synthesis simultaneously by introducing cellulose synthase genes, PdCesA4, PdCesA7A, or PdCesA8A, specifically in xylem fiber cells. The transgenic plants exhibited decreased lignin content and a significant increase in cellulose content. Transcriptome analysis indicated that expression of PdLTF1AA along with PdCesA4, PdCesA7A, or PdCesA8A in fiber cells resulted in transcriptional alterations in the genes associated with cell wall remodeling and polysaccharide synthesis during xylem development. The results also indicated that the diameter of wood fiber cells within the xylem is increased, which leads to a larger stem diameter in the transgenic plants. This study suggests that the biosynthesis of lignin and cellulose can be simultaneously modified, which presents a new strategy for modifying wood fiber characteristics for more efficient fiber and biomass processing.