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Lignin engineering in forest trees: From gene discovery to field trials
Barbara De Meester1, Ruben Vanholme1, Thatiane Mota1
1Ghent University, Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
Plant Communications
|October 29, 2022
Summary
Engineering lignin in trees improves wood processability for biofuels and biomaterials. Decades of research show potential, but yield penalties require solutions for commercial viability.
Area of Science:
- Forestry
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Wood's recalcitrance to deconstruction hinders biofuel and biomaterial production.
- Lignin, an aromatic polymer, shields cell-wall polysaccharides, making wood difficult to process.
- Engineering lignin amount and composition is a key strategy to improve wood processability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review results from engineering lignin biosynthesis and branching pathways in forest trees.
- To analyze 20 years of field trial data on trees with reduced or altered lignin.
- To discuss yield penalties and strategies for developing commercially viable lignin-engineered trees.
Main Methods:
- Engineering lignin biosynthesis and branching pathways in forest trees.
- Introduction of exotic lignin monomers into trees.
- Analysis of field trial data from genetically modified trees over two decades.
Main Results:
- Lignin engineering can reduce wood recalcitrance, improving processability.
- Field trials provide long-term data on the effects of lignin modification in trees.
- Yield penalties are a significant challenge in lignin-engineered trees.
Conclusions:
- Combining conventional and new breeding strategies is crucial for developing elite lignin-engineered trees.
- Addressing yield penalties is essential for the commercial development of these trees.
- Priorities for commercialization include optimizing lignin properties and mitigating negative impacts on tree growth.
