Analysis of Lignocellulosic Component and Phenolic Compound of Transgenic Miscanthus sinensis using COMT Gene Related to Lignin Biosynthesis
Background : Miscanthus sinensis is a diploid hybrid and a temperate, perennial, cross-pollinating grass used as bioenergy plant, biomass production and high quality cellulose and ethanol production. This study was to carried out to investigate the expression of MsCOMT gene and the variation of lignocellulosic component and phenolic compounds contents in transgenic plants.
Methods and Results : Multiple bands were detected from the homologous region of the COMT gene in PCR analysis. In order to obtain more detailed results, putative transgenic lines were estimated by RT-PCR analysis to confirm the expression of mRNA. Also, analysis of the lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and phenolic compound contents of transgenic Miscanthus plants were performed. Total lignin content of transgenic plants was lower than that of the control plant due to reduced caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene expression related to lignin production. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents in transgenic plants were not increased. Variation in cellulose and hemicellulose contents had no correlation with variation in lignin content of transgenic plants.
Conclusion : In conclusion, transgenic M. sinensis was obtained with down-regulated COMT gene. Lignin synthesis was decreased what offers possibility of crop modification for facilitated biofuel production.