Formation, chemical composition and function of suberin in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) roots

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In the project suggested here we will for the first time elucidate the biosynthesis, chemical composition and function of suberized apoplastic barriers in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) roots and their significance in drought and salt tolerance. This approach includes:(i) characterization of root anatomy to identify tissue specific suberin deposition in roots in response to abiotic stress (salt and drought),(ii) investigation of tissue specific (endodermal and exodermal) gene expression (transcriptomics) in poplar roots in response to abiotic stress in order to identify key genes for suberin biosynthesis,(iii) chemical analysis of poplar root suberin composition and its modifications in response to abiotic stress,(iv) characterization of radial water and solute transport of poplar roots and changes in response to abiotic stress and finally(v) generation of transgenic poplar lines, characterized by over-expression or down-regulation of genes involved in root suberization and subsequent characterization of anatomy, chemistry and transport properties of these transgenic lines in response to abiotic stress.This project will give first insights into root suberization and adaptation to drought and salt stress of an economically important tree species. Improved knowledge how poplar roots respond to abiotic stress factors like drought and salt on the level of suberized apoplastic barriers in roots could help in future in poplar breeding to achieve more stress tolerant cultivars.