Downregulation of RWA genes in hybrid aspen affects xylan acetylation and wood saccharification

What is it about?

Wood is a major source of renewable sugars and energy, but biosynthesis of its components is poorly understood. We have studied the RWA gene family in poplar and found that its members are responsible for biosynthesis of acetylation in xyloglucan and xylan – the two main hemicelluloses of developing and mature wood, respectively. 25% reduction in wood acetylation in RWA downregulated trees lead to lower xylan content and 20% higher sugar yields, without any growth penalty, which makes this family attractive for optimizing woody biomass for biofuel production.

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