Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand

Effects of genetic modifications in grass cell walls on biomass digestibility and abiotic stresses

Grant number: 19/26761-4
Support Opportunities:Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
Effective date (Start): October 01, 2020
Status:Discontinued
Field of knowledge:Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
Principal Investigator:Wagner Rodrigo de Souza
Grantee:Fernanda de Oliveira Menezes
Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
Associated research grant:19/04878-7 - Biotechnological strategies for genetic improvement of grasses for biofuel production, AP.BIOEN.JP
Associated scholarship(s):22/04419-5 - Characterization of cell wall composition in Setaria viridis plants after genome editing, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Biomass conversion is currently the most economically viable strategy for the production of liquid biofuels, as is the case with cellulosic ethanol. The complex network of polymers present in the cell wall of plant biomass decreases the fermentation of free sugars by yeasts and is a major bottleneck for biofuel production. In this context, the genetic modification of the plant cell wall represents a powerful tool to reduce biomass recalcitrance, increasing the viability of the biofuel production process. Here, we intend to compare three different strategies for cell wall modification, with the aim of decreasing recalcitrance and consequently increasing biomass digestibility. For these studies, it will be used the grass model plant Setaria viridis, a species phylogenetically related to sugarcane, a crop that is broadly used for ethanol production. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the COMT and BAHD genes, responsible for the incorporation of lignin and ferulate into the cell wall, respectively, will be edited. After genetic modification, the cell wall and the biomass of the modified plants will be characterized in detail, to verify the mechanisms by which genetic modifications increase biomass digestibility. These results will help to further design a rational strategy for the development of genetically modified sugarcane with increased potential for bioethanol production. (AU)

News published in Agência FAPESP Newsletter about the scholarship:
Articles published in other media outlets (0 total):
More itemsLess items
VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)
VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)

Please report errors in scientific publications list by writing to: cdi@fapesp.br.