A large-scale forward genetic screen for maize mutants with altered lignocellulosic properties

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Efficient bioconversion of grass lignocellulosic feedstocks is hindered by incomplete knowledge of cell wall polymer synthesis, deposition, and degradation.
• Grass cell walls possess unique polymers that present challenges for industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify maize mutants with altered cell wall composition using a forward genetic approach.
• To investigate the impact of these mutations on lignocellulosic saccharification yield.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale forward genetic screen was employed using chemically mutagenized maize.
• Mutants were analyzed for changes in cell wall attributes like crystalline cellulose and hemicellulose.
• Saccharification yield (glucose release) was measured via enzymatic hydrolysis.

Main Results:

• A collection of maize mutants, termed candy-leaf (cal), with diverse cell wall alterations was identified.
• Two mutants exhibited increased saccharification yield, while six showed decreased yield.
• The cal mutants displayed no significant defects in plant growth or development.

Conclusions:

• The identified cal mutants are valuable genetic resources for understanding grass lignocellulosic recalcitrance to enzymatic deconstruction.
• These mutants provide a platform for deciphering grass-specific cell wall biology.
• Further research to identify the genetic basis of the cal mutations will enhance their utility.