Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 69-80 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 74 Cho et al. (2018) found that the wood of genetically modified poplar trees not only exhibited a significant reduction in lignin content (by approximately 16%) but also an increase in cellulose content, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the wood. This transgenic technology demonstrates tremendous potential in the field of synthetic biology by optimizing lignin biosynthesis and cell wall structure, which can improve the industrial applications of wood, such as in the production of biofuels. The sequencing of the poplar genome has facilitated the identification of key genes involved in wood formation and growth regulation. For instance, the development of the PoplarGene network has enabled researchers to prioritize genes related to wood development and other traits, thereby enhancing the understanding of biological processes underlying wood quality (Liu et al., 2016). Additionally, the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes expressed in developing xylem has provided valuable resources for studying wood formation and secondary growth (Geraldes et al., 2011). 6.2 Environmental applications Genomic insights have also been pivotal in enhancing the environmental applications of poplar, particularly in improving stress resistance and phytoremediation capabilities. The characterization of full-length enriched expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from stress-treated poplar leaves has provided a comprehensive understanding of the molecular responses to environmental stressors such as dehydration, salinity, and temperature extremes (Nanjo et al., 2004). This knowledge has facilitated the development of strategies to improve the environmental stress tolerance of poplar, making it a more resilient species in the face of climate change. Moreover, genetic engineering has been employed to enhance the phytoremediation capabilities of poplar. For instance, transgenic poplar trees expressing the yeast cadmium factor 1 (ScYCF1) gene have shown increased tolerance to heavy metals and improved accumulation capacity, making them suitable for phytoremediation of contaminated soils (Shim et al., 2013). These transgenic plants exhibited enhanced growth and reduced toxicity symptoms in mine tailing soil, highlighting the potential of genetic engineering in environmental applications. 6.3 The Role of genomic information in poplar breeding programs The integration of genomic information into poplar breeding programs has revolutionized the field, enabling more precise and efficient breeding strategies. The sequencing and annotation of the poplar genome have provided a wealth of genetic information that can be leveraged to identify and select desirable traits. For example, the identification of structural variations (SVs) and their association with stress resistance and pathogen defense has provided valuable markers for breeding programs aimed at enhancing these traits (Pinosio et al., 2016). Additionally, the availability of comprehensive gene interaction networks, such as PoplarGene, has facilitated the identification of candidate genes for targeted breeding efforts (Liu et al., 2016). The use of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, has further expedited the pace of poplar improvement programs by allowing precise modifications of specific genes involved in growth, development, and stress responses (Thakur et al., 2021). These advancements underscore the critical role of genomic information in modern poplar breeding programs, paving the way for the development of superior poplar varieties with enhanced traits. 7 Advances in Genomic Technologies 7.1 The impact of next-generation sequencing on poplar genomics Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly advanced the field of genomics by enabling rapid and comprehensive sequencing of entire genomes. This technology has been pivotal in the study of poplar genomics, allowing researchers to obtain detailed genetic information within a short time frame. NGS technologies have facilitated the identification of genetic variations and mutations, which are crucial for understanding the genetic basis of traits and diseases in poplar. The ability to sequence whole genomes or exomes has also accelerated the functional annotation of genes, providing insights into their roles and interactions (Schulze and Lammers, 2020). The continuous improvement of NGS technologies promises to further enhance our understanding of poplar genomics by providing more accurate and comprehensive data (Schulze and Lammers, 2020).
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