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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
CcCIPK14 Gene Function Analysis to Illuminate the Efficient Root Transgenic System
Published on: September 23, 2021
Functional characterization of CCR in birch (Betula platyphylla × Betula pendula) through overexpression and
Wenbo Zhang1, Rui Wei1,2, Su Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China.
Abstract:
We cloned a Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase gene (BpCCR1) from an apical meristem and first internode of Betula platyphylla and characterized its functions in lignin biosynthesis, wood formation and tree growth through transgenic approaches. We generated overexpression and suppression transgenic lines and analyzed them in comparison with the wild-type in terms of lignin content, anatomical characteristics, height and biomass. We found that BpCCR1 overexpression could increase lignin content up to 14.6%, and its underexpression decreased lignin content by 6.3%. Surprisingly, modification of BpCCR1 expression led to conspicuous changes in wood characteristics, including xylem vessel number and arrangement, and secondary wall thickness. The growth of transgenic trees in terms of height was also significantly influenced by the modification of BpCCR1 genes. We discuss the functions of BpCCR1 in the context of a phylogenetic tree built with CCR genes from multiple species.
