Compositions and methods for improved plant feedstock

摘要

The invention provides methods for modifying lignin content and composition in plants and achieving associated benefits therefrom involving altered expression of newly discovered MYB4 transcription factors. Nucleic acid constructs for modifying MYB4 transcription factor expression are described. By over-expressing the identified MYB4 transcription factors, for example, an accompanying decrease in lignin content may be achieved. Plants are provided by the invention comprising such modifications, as are methods for their preparation and use.

主权项

1. A DNA construct comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of:
(a) a nucleic acid comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; SEQ ID NO:7; SEQ ID NO:9; SEQ ID NO:11; or SEQ ID NO:13; (b) a nucleic acid sequence exhibiting at least 90% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; SEQ ID NO:7; SEQ ID NO:9; SEQ ID NO:11; or SEQ ID NO:13; (c) a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide at least 90% identical to the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2; SEQ ID NO:8; SEQ ID NO:10; SEQ ID NO:12; or SEQ ID NO:14; and (d) a nucleic acid sequence comprising the full complement of (a)-(c), wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to a heterologous promoter sequence, wherein the nucleic acid sequence encodes a protein comprising a R2-R3 domain, and wherein introduction of the nucleic acid sequence in a transgenic plant reduces the lignin content of the plant.