Feedstocks Division

Cell Wall Biosynthesis Group

Polysaccharides constitute the major part of plant cell walls. There are many different types of polysaccharides and a large number of enzymes are needed for their biosynthesis. The rational development of biofuel crops with improved properties will require a much better understanding of cell wall biosynthesis and the role of cell wall polymers for plant growth and development. In the Cell Wall Biosynthesis Group we aim to: - Identify the glycosyltransferases and accessory enzymes required for biosynthesis of matrix polysaccharides and glycoproteins in the cell wall. - Develop efficient methods for biochemical analysis of cell wall biosynthetic enzymes - Use the knowledge about cell wall biosynthesis to make targeted modifications of cell wall composition in transgenic plants and determine the effects on plant growth and biofuel yield. - Participate in forward genetic screens for plants with improved properties for biofuel production. The polysaccharides in plant cell walls are often grouped into cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. The major hemicellulose in grasses and in secondary walls is xylan. Arabinoxylans are synthesized from UDP-D-xylose and UDP-L-arabinose by the action of glycosyltransferases in the Golgi vesicles. The sugar residues are added onto existing acceptor molecules, which may be oligo- or polysaccharides. Xylans can be acetylated and cereal arabinoxylans also contain esterlinked ferulic and p-coumaric acid the biosynthesis of which is not understood. The acetyl and feruloyl esters are a major challenge for biofuel production. In order to characterize the individual glycosyltransferases and other biosynthetic enzymes it is essential to develop assays that are dependent on heterologously expressed enzymes and exogenous acceptor molecules.

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