Identification of target genes regulated by the transcriptions factor shine in monocot plants using chilp-seq

Abstract

One of the main bottleneck to use plant Biomass for producing ethanol is lignin. In this scenario, transgenic plants with less lignin or altered lignin composition are an alternative to solve the problem imposed by lignin and among severaI genes to manipulate lignin in plants, Transcription Factors (TFs) controlling genes of the lignin biosynthesis are primary targets. Among several recently studied TFs, the AtSHN2 has been characterized in Arabidopsis and rice as a master regulator of secondary cell wall biosynthesis, since at same time inhibits the expression of lignin- related genes its induces genes of the cellulose biosynthesis. So far nothing is known about this class of TFs and their role in regulating the biosynthesis of lignin in monocots like sugarcane, sorghum and maize. Among the approaches used to investigate TFs in plants chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with large-scale sequencing (ChIP-seq) has been indicate as the most appropriate as it allows a broad characterization of genes which are targeted (controlled) by a specific TF. This proposal aims to study SHN (SHINE) genes found by our groups in maize, sugarcane and sorghum using ChIP-seq technology, aiming to identify which genes in the biosynthesis of monolignols are under SHN control. The results will be compared with results previously obtained in rice, aiming to unravel the role of this TF in the secondary cell wall construction in monocots, aiming to find possible target genes to manipulate lignin and cellulose biosynthesis in these monocot plants. (AU)