Suberin is a lipid and phenolic cell wall heteropolymer found in the roots and other organs of all vascular plants. Suberin plays a critical role in plant water relations and in protecting plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. Here we describe a transcription factor, AtMYB41 (At4g28110), that can activate the steps necessary for aliphatic suberin synthesis and deposition of cell wall-associated suberin-like lamellae in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Overexpression of AtMYB41 increased the abundance of suberin biosynthetic gene transcripts by orders of magnitude and resulted in the accumulation of up to 22 times more suberin-type than cutin-type aliphatic monomers in leaves. Overexpression of AtMYB41 also resulted in elevated amounts of monolignols in leaves and an increase in the accumulation of phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthetic gene transcripts. Surprisingly, ultrastructural data indicated that overexpression led to the formation of suberin-like lamellae in both epidermal and mesophyll cells of leaves. We further implicate AtMYB41 in the production of aliphatic suberin under abiotic stress conditions. These results provide insight into the molecular-genetic mechanisms of the biosynthesis and deposition of a ubiquitous cell wall-associated plant structure and will serve as a basis for discovering the transcriptional network behind one of the most abundant lipid-based polymers in nature.

 
Dylan K Kosma, Jhadeswar Murmu, Fakhria M Razeq, Patricia Santos, Richard Bourgault, Isabel Molina, Owen Rowland 2014, AtMYB41 activates ectopic suberin synthesis and assembly in multiple plant species and cell types, The Plant Journal 80 (2): 216–229

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
A boy holding radishes
A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet gives your body all of the essential nutrients it needs to stay active, healthy, and strong. Learn how you can balance your diet to get the energy you need throughout the day.
Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-106
fast food
Results From a Workplace Health and Wellness Program
In March 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension received a grant to develop, implement and evaluate a six month pilot Workplace Health and Wellness program for employees at a local business. The program was to be delivered between April 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013.
Powell, P. 2016, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication-16-05
A boy balancing on one leg and smiling.
Field assessment for obesity prevention in children and parents: Physical activity, fitness and body composition.
This report will assist educators in identifying and selecting appropriate field-based assessments for measurement of PA, physical fitness, and body composition for children and adults. Specific guidelines, references, and resources are given for selecting assessment methods and ...
Lindsay, A., Hongu, K., Spears, K., Dyrek, A. & Manore, M. 2014, Journal of Nutrition Education Behavior 46 (1):43-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.03.013
Frittata Recipe
Frittata Recipe
Try this versatile and easily customizable frittata recipe. You can use all kinds of seasonal, fresh, canned, or frozen veggies, leftover lean meats, and any low-fat cheese you have on hand, even low-fat cream cheese. Serve it for breakfast or any time of the day.
Mazzullo, N. 2024, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Have it Your Weigh! Portion Sizes & Dining Out
Learn about healthy eating by understanding choosing sensible portions when dining out or at home and healthful menu choices from restaurants.
Lindsay, A., Wilson, M., & Velasquez, S. 2007, UNCE Fact Sheet FS-07-46.