Functional analysis of eucalyptus grandis tubulin genes involved in wood formation

摘要: Knowledge of the process wood formation and molecular control quality determination are fundamental prerequisites for our understanding evolutionary success trees in terrestrial ecosystems meeting performance demands commercial fibre products future. In this context, most important trait after density is cellulose microfibril angle (MFA). MFA influences strength flexibility which supporting tree architecture form, as well solid pulp paper products. Research a number plant species has provided evidence that linked to cortical microtubules might be influenced by tubulin gene activity, concept further explored thesis. This thesis therefore reviews current literature on microtubules, genes deposition, aims experimentally characterise alpha beta-tubulin function tries determine if link exists between phylogeny their specific role during secondary cell wall formation. vivo transgenesis was used create transgenic sectors examine roles various Eucalyptus grandis determination. The effect E. BETA-TUBULIN 1 (EgrTUB1), had been shown Spokevicius et al. (2007) influence MFA, re-examined confirmed. work expanded using both over-expression down-regulation methods produce fibres with altered MFA. all cases found increased indicating down-regulated use vectors led homology dependent silencing (HDGS). Down-regulation achieved artificial micro RNA constructs, representing one first examples successful application technology perennial forest species. Similar results were obtained ALPHA TUBULIN EgrTUA1 EgrTUA2. Again, beta play similar balance them primary importance. highlighted experiments altering expression simultaneously produced when iv down regulated decreased up regulated. biological physical relevance these changes examined collaboration Max Plank Institute Colloids Interfaces Germany preliminary tensile included an appendix Finally, attempt identify potential links phylogenetic relationship products, RNA-based six assessed regard its effects walls. three genes, EgrTUB1, EgrTUB5 EgrTUB6, resulted while remaining three, EgrTUB2, 3 4, showed no effect, existence possible isoforms distinct functional divergence within eucalypt family.