Multi-Omics Evaluation of Tripartite Associations in Red Alder Roots: Integrated Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics and Metabolite Imaging of Red Alder Symbiotic Associations in Root Tissue
EMSL Project ID
48539
Abstract
This proposal presents the unique opportunity to conduct the first ever integrated multi-omics and imaging evaluation of the Alnus rubra (red alder tree)/Frankia alni (bacteria)/Alpova diplophloeus (fungus) tripartite rhizosphere. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has previously invested in the characterization and development of the Poplar tree for purposes of being a potential bioenergy/biofuel feedstock and we argue here that the red alder tree too could serve as an ideal DOE mission related organism, with great potential to produce high yields of biofuel/biochemical precursors on marginal lands. In one study of a mixed red alder-poplar tree plantation grown on land devastated by the Mt. Saint Helens eruption, red alder quickly outgrew poplar, and after six years, red alder accounted for ~93% of the trees present. Red alder’s ability to thrive on such barren land is due to its symbiotic relationships both with nitrogen-fixing/nodule-producing soil bacteria and also various fungi, which allow for enhanced essential mineral (e.g., phosphorus) uptake. While it has been documented that red alder roots can symbiotically associate with several microorganisms, F. alni and A. diplophloeus interactions are some of the most ubiquitous in wild red alder populations and thus we propose to study these specific associations here.
In the wild, red alder is often first to colonize disturbed land sites. It is also low maintenance tree in that it is naturally free from most insect and disease problems and is self-pruning. In its first few years, it grows into very dense groves (i.e., 50,000 trees/acre), and it easily out-competes weeds (16). While in years past, red alder was considered a nuisance tree due to its aggressive growth characteristics, it is now held in high esteem by foresters for its substantial contribution to soil fertility, enabling the re-establishment of biota to land that has been severely disturbed (e.g., after flood, fire, logging, land slide, etc.). Despite its ideal growth attributes, almost no molecular or genetic characterizations of this tree currently exist
In 2011, Weyerhaeuser sold its hardwood division and gifted all genetic materials from their red alder/Frankia improvement initiative to Dr. Norman Lewis at Washington State University (WSU). Accordingly, EMSL now has the unique opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Lewis (PhD advisor to Kim Hixson and current owner of the red alder lines) and Dr. Berri Herman (red alder expert formally with Weyerhaeuser) to obtain preliminary molecular/genetic characterizations of red alder and its symbiotic associations. This study will not only provide a cursory model for the red alder/Frankia/Alpova rhizosphere, but the data obtained will enable future development of genetically engineered red alder to be used in the high yield production of biofuels/biochemicals from the most marginal/barren, non-food producing lands.
Project Details
Start Date
2014-10-17
End Date
2017-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
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