Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 44-51 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 44 Research Perspectives Open Access Glycosyltransferases and Xylan Biosynthesis in Poplar: Genetic Regulation and Implications for Wood Quality Yongquan Lu State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: luyongquan@zafu.edu.cn Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0006 Received: 08 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 11 Feb., 2024 Published: 26 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lu Y.Q., 2024, Glycosyltransferases and xylan biosynthesis in poplar: genetic regulation and implications for wood quality, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(1): 44-51 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0006) Abstract Glycosyltransferases play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of xylan, a major hemicellulose component in the secondary cell walls of dicot wood, including poplar. This systematic review explores the genetic regulation of glycosyltransferases and their implications for wood quality in Populus species. Xylan biosynthesis involves multiple glycosyltransferase families, including GT8, GT43, and GT47, which are essential for the structural integrity and mechanical properties of wood. Down-regulation of GT8Dgenes in Populus trichocarpa results in reduced xylan content and mechanical strength, highlighting the importance of these genes in wood formation. Similarly, GT47C has been shown to be functionally conserved with Arabidopsis Fragile fiber8, playing a significant role in xylan synthesis during wood formation. The GT43 family in poplar, comprising members such as PtrGT43A, PtrGT43B, and PtrGT43C, is involved in the biosynthesis of xylan backbones, with distinct functional roles analogous to Arabidopsis IRX9 and IRX14. Additionally, GT8E and GT8F glycosyltransferases are implicated in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis, further emphasizing the diverse roles of glycosyltransferases in wood development. The molecular characterization of PoGT8D and PoGT43B supports their involvement in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis, with PoGT43B acting as a functional ortholog of IRX9. The presence of regular glycosidic motifs in xylan modulates its molecular flexibility and interactions with cellulose, contributing to the structural integrity of secondary cell walls This review underscores the critical roles of glycosyltransferases in xylan biosynthesis and their broader implications for wood quality, providing insights into the genetic regulation of these enzymes and their potential applications in improving wood properties for industrial uses. Keywords Glycosyltransferases; Xylan biosynthesis; Poplar; Wood quality; Genetic regulation; Hemicellulose; Secondary cell walls; Glucuronoxylan; Mechanical strength; Cellulose interactions 1 Introduction Xylan is a major hemicellulosic component of plant cell walls, particularly in hardwood species like poplar. It plays a crucial role in determining the structural integrity and properties of the cell wall by interacting with cellulose and lignin. The biosynthesis of xylan involves a complex pathway where various glycosyltransferases (GTs) are key players. These enzymes facilitate the transfer of sugar moieties to form the xylan backbone and its side chains, which are essential for the proper assembly and function of the cell wall (Biswal et al., 2015; Pawar et al., 2017; Ratke et al., 2018). Glycosyltransferases are pivotal in the biosynthesis of xylan. Members of the GT43 family, for instance, are involved in the elongation of the xylan backbone. Downregulation of these genes in poplar has been shown to affect xylan content and consequently alter wood properties (Ratke et al., 2015; Ratke et al., 2018). Additionally, other GTs like GAUT12 are implicated in the synthesis of glucuronoxylan and pectin, further highlighting their multifaceted roles in cell wall biosynthesis. The precise regulation of these enzymes is crucial for maintaining the balance and composition of cell wall components, which directly impacts the plant's growth and biomass recalcitrance (Biswal et al., 2015; Ratke et al., 2018). Wood quality in poplar is of significant interest due to its implications for both industrial applications and biofuel production. High-quality wood with optimal cellulose, xylan, and lignin content is desirable for efficient saccharification and subsequent biofuel production. Modifications in the biosynthesis pathways of these components can lead to improved wood properties, such as reduced recalcitrance and enhanced growth, making
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