Genetic Engineering of Syringyl Lignin in Spruce, 2004 Paper Summit, Spring Technical & International Environmental Conference, (including Papermakers; Process Control, Electrical & Information; Product & Product Quality)

In this multi-disciplinary project we are extending our established working technology of functional genomics on lignin biosynthesis to genetically engineering syringyl lignin in softwood species to displace the more chemically resistant guaiacyl lignin. Black spruce (Picea mariana), for which we have established efficient multigene transformation and whole tree regeneration systems, will be the model softwood. Thus, the goal is to produce genetically superior softwood raw materials that would require less energy/chemicals/time and fewer bleaching stages in kraft pulp manufacturing processes. We will also use and develop high throughput microanalytical techniques to quantify key wood properties to generate greater knowledge of transgenic raw material characteristics relative to end product specifications. Overall, we are proposing a major multidisciplinary project aiming at promoting substantial direct energy savings, global competitiveness, and environmental responsiveness of the U.S. forest products industry. This paper focuses on the background knowledge of syringyl lignin biosynthesis in trees and genetic transformation technologies for achieving the proposed objective of metabolic engineering of syringyl lignin in conifers. Preliminary results on the cloning of syringyl genes and xylem-specific promoters, spruce transformation systems and high throughput characterization of lignin will be discussed.