Suberin: Biosynthesis, Form and Function

木质素是一种不寻常的植物聚合物。它给根和块茎组织一个“软木状”的屏障，防止水分流失，防止疾病生物体。此外，在伤口愈合过程中会形成新的脂质。在这种情况下，脂质沉积用于密封暴露的组织。伤口素还能防止水分流失和疾病。木杉醇的保护作用引起了作物育种家的兴趣。它是抵抗疾病、干旱和盐胁迫的天然来源。然而，很少有直接证据表明木质素作为一种保护物质具有广泛的作用。人们对素的两个方面仍然知之甚少。聚合物的物理结构，以及对木质素生物合成和沉积的控制。这种知识的缺乏阻碍了这种非凡的聚合物作为天然植物防御的进一步探索。该提案将(1)增加对木参素的生物合成，沉积和结构的理解，(2)证明其作为病原体保护屏障的广泛作用。完成后，我们将能够通过常规育种来操纵亚胺水平。这将导致新的作物品种具有增强的天然防御能力，可以抵御降低粮食产量的病原体。这也将导致新的作物品种对干旱和盐胁迫的耐受性增强。

Suberin is an unusual plant polymer. It gives root and tuber tissue a “corky” barrier against water loss and protects against disease organisms. In addition, new suberin is formed during wound-healing. In this context, suberin deposition serves to seal exposed tissues. Wound suberin also prevents water loss and disease. Suberin's protective roles make it interesting to crop breeders. It represents a source of natural resistance to disease, drought and salt stress. However, there is little direct evidence for the wide spread role of suberin as a protective substance. Two aspects of suberin remain poorly understood. The physical structure of the polymer, and the control of suberin biosynthesis and deposition. This lack of knowledge inhibits further exploration of this remarkable polymer as a natural plant defense. This proposal will (1) increase understanding of the biosynthesis, deposition and structure of suberin, and (2) demonstrate its broad effect as a protective barrier against pathogens. Upon completion we will be able to manipulate suberin levels through conventional breeding. This will lead to new crop varieties with enhanced, natural defenses against the pathogens that reduce food product yields. It will also lead to new crop varieties with enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress.