Cofactome analyses reveal enhanced flux of carbon into oil for potential biofuel production

Abstract

To identify the underlying molecular basis of carbon partitioning between starch and oil we conducted 454 pyrosequencing, followed by custom microarrays to profile gene expression throughout endosperm development, of two closely related oat cultivars that differ in oil content at the expense of starch as determined by several approaches including non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Comparative transcriptome analysis in conjunction with metabolic profiling displays a close coordination between energy metabolism and carbon partitioning pathways, with increased demands for energy and reducing equivalents in kernels with a higher oil content. These studies further expand the repertoire of networks regulating carbon partitioning to those involved in metabolism of cofactors, suggesting that an elevated supply of cofactors, here called cofactomes, contribute to the allocation of higher carbon pools for production of oils and storage proteins. These data highlight a close association between cofactomes and carbon partitioning, thereby providing a biotechnological target for conversion of starch to oil.

Keywords

oat endosperm; cofactome; non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging; metabolic profiling; custom microarray; 454 sequencing

Published in

Plant Journal
2011, volume: 67, number: 6, pages: 1018-1028
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

SLU Authors

• Grimberg, Åsa

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Stymne, Sten

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Renewable Bioenergy Research

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2011.04654.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/35425