Loss of function alleles of PtEPSP-TF and its regulatory targets in rice
The present disclosure provides genetically modified plants, plant cells and plant tissues that show reduced lignin content as compared to a control plant which was not genetically modified. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of regulating lignin content in a plant. The disclosure also provides methods of producing bioproducts using the genetically modified plants of the instant disclosure.
1. A genetically modified plant from the genus Oryza , the genetic modification comprising expression of an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Populus trichocarpa 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase transcription factor (PtrEPSP-TF) that comprises a mutation at a position that corresponds to amino acid 364 of SEQ ID NO: 7.
2. The genetically modified plant of claim 1 , wherein the mutation results in loss of DNA binding activity of the PtrEPSP-TF protein, wherein the mutant PtrEPSP-TF protein comprises the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 4.
3. The genetically modified plant of claim 1 , wherein the PtrEPSP-TF comprises a mutation at a position that is analogous to amino acid 142 and amino acid 364 of SEQ ID NO: 7, resulting in reduced lignin content in the plant.
4. A method comprising: introducing in a plant from the genus Oryza an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Populus trichocarpa 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase transcription factor (PtrEPSP-TF) that comprises a mutation at a position that corresponds to amino acid 364 of SEQ ID NO: 7 wherein the mutated PtrEPSP-TF lacks DNA binding activity.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the mutation results in loss of DNA binding activity of the PtrEPSP-TF protein, wherein the mutant PtrEPSP-TF protein comprises the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 4.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the mutated PtrEPSP-TF comprises a mutation at a position that is analogous to amino acid 142 and amino acid 364 of SEQ ID NO: 7, resulting in reduced lignin content in the plant.
7. A method for producing a bioproduct, comprising subjecting the genetically modified plant of claim 1 to a bioproduct conversion process.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the bioproduct is selected from the group consisting of a bioenergy product, a biomaterial, a biopharmaceutical and a biocosmetics.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the bioenergy product is ethanol and the bioproduct conversion process is an ethanol fermentation process.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the bioproduct is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, bioplastics, biofoams, biorubber, biocomposites, and biofibres.
11. A method for production of pulp or paper, comprising producing pulp or paper from the genetically modified plant of claim 1 .
12. A genetically modified plant cell or plant tissue, the genetic modification comprising
expression of an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Populus trichocarpa 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase transcription factor (PtrEPSP-TF) that comprises a mutation at a position that corresponds to amino acid 364 of SEQ ID NO: 7.
13. A method for production of pulp or paper, comprising producing pulp or paper from the genetically modified plant cell or plant tissue of claim 12 .
14. A method for producing a bioproduct, comprising subjecting the genetically modified plant cell or plant tissue of claim 12 to a bioproduct conversion process.