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

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.

 

Learn more about the author(s)

 

Also of Interest:

 
Can We Grow Cover Crops in Nevada? (Fact Sheet)
Cover crops can be and are grown in Nevada. Recognizing success requires a paradigm shift: viewing cover crops as a long-term investment in soil health, farm resilience and profitability, rather than just short-term yield. There is no “one-size-fits-all” mix tailor species and ma...
Gary McCuin, Juan K.Q. Solomon, Joeseph Frey 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-10
Challenges and Adaptation Strategies for Riesling Grape (Vitis vinifera L) Production in the Southwest Desert in the USA
Riesling, a traditionally cool-climate grape variety, faces increasing challenges when cultivated in the Desert Southwest region of the United States. This paper synthesizes potential strategies for adapting Riesling cultivation to desert environments under increasing climate var...
Naznin, M.T., Azad, M.O.K., Moe, J. 2025, Front. Plant Sci., 16 September, Sec. Plant Physiology, Volume 16 - 2025
Connor Billman leading a classroom full of 4-H'ers in an activity.
Graduate of the Pack: Connor Billman, International Agriculture Education Fellowship Program fellow
Empowering youth and elevating small-holder farmers through agricultural science
Andrews, A. 2021, Nevada Today
spool of hemp twine
Industrial Hemp White Paper Growing Hemp in the American Southwest
Publication provides horticultural, historical, and legal information on hemp; it is intended to educate the public and those interested in growing legal hemp in the American southwest. Proper growing practices, laws, fees, and hemp uses are discussed to provide readers with a so...
McGue, L., Lane, K., Robinson, M.L., McCoy, J., Morawska, M., Anderson, J., Lombard, K., Leas, L., Masson, R. and O'Callaghan, A.O. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada State Crop and Resource-Use Needs Assessment: Stakeholder Perspectives on Crop, Resource Use, Pest and General Agricultural Needs
Needs Assessment special publication for the state of Nevada, on crops, resource use, pest control, and general agricultural needs.
Walia, M., Snider, K., Evans, W., Weigel, D. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-13