Comparative Systems Analysis of Bioenergy Grass Internode Development for Biofuel Production in Marginal Environments
EMSL Project ID
51874
Abstract
Grass internodes are the primary source of lignocellulosic biomass. However, despite extensive research on internode biology, our ability to model and manipulate the internode growth to improve biomass yield and composition remains limited. The aim of this project is to generate information about the molecular networks governing internode development and lignocellulose accumulation in response to endogenous and environmental cues. The specific focus is on three key molecular functions: protein kinases, which integrate developmental and environmental responses; cell wall biosynthesis enzymes, which modulate cell wall thickness, chemical composition, and functional properties; and cytoskeletal proteins, which regulate trafficking and spatial activity of both signaling components and cell wall biosynthesis enzymes. A cross-species comparative approach is proposed to reveal key regulatory posttranslational modifications and molecular functions during internode development amongst closely related grasses. Furthermore, visualization and functional analysis of genotypes with varied internode architectures will be used to connect molecular and phenotypic variation. The proposal represents a comprehensive approach to reveal molecular developmental of vascular cells and secondary cell wall accumulation and functional consequences for growth under drought. The first objective is to identify molecular networks that control differentiation of vascular cell types during internode development by tissue-specific proteomics of Brachypodium distachyon and switchgrass. The second objective is to broaden findings of Aim#1 by gathering understanding mechanisms that govern grass internode growth and development through quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics of a selected internode segments under watered and drought conditions for genotypes of switchgrass and B. distachyon with varied internode cellular architectures. The third objective is to develop a switchgrass protoplast-based transient expression system to test molecular functions of proteins responsible for regulation of secondary cell wall synthesis and architecture in bioenergy grasses. The fourth objective is to test the relationships in bioenergy grasses between cellular architecture, cell wall parameters, and formation and spread of air cavities in xylem cells via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray computed microtomography (microCT), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in switchgrass and B. distachyon. The outcomes of this project will enable development of a predictive model for conserved vascular bundle developmental circuits in internodes and will aid the engineering of bioenergy grass varieties with increased yields and improved composition in marginal environments.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2021-10-01
End Date
2023-12-31
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members