Seed-specific suppression of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in Camelina sativa increases seed size and weight
Background: Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a promising oilseed crop that may provide sustainable feedstock for biofuel production. One of the major drawbacks of Camelina is its smaller seeds compared to other major oil crops such as canola, which limit oil yield and may also pose challenges in successful seedling establishment, especially in dryland cultivation. Previous studies indicate that seed development may be under metabolic control. In oilseeds, starch only accumulates temporarily during seed development but is almost absent in mature seeds. In this study, we explored the efect of altering seed carbohydrate metabolism on Camelina seed size through down-regulating ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), a major enzyme in starch biosynthesis. Results: An RNAi construct comprising sequences of the Camelina small subunit of an AGPase (CsAPS) was expressed in Camelina cultivar Suneson under a seed-specifc promoter. The RNAi suppression reduced AGPase activities which concurred with moderately decreased starch accumulation during seed development. Transcripts of genes examined that are involved in storage products were not afected, but contents of sugars and water were increased in developing seeds. The transgenic seeds were larger than wild-type plants due to increased cell sizes in seed coat and embryos, and mature seeds contained similar oil but more protein contents. The larger seeds showed advantages on seedling emergence from deep soils. Conclusions: Changing starch and sugar metabolism during seed development may increase the size and mass of seeds without afecting their fnal oil content in Camelina. Increased seed size may improve seedling establishment in the feld and increase seed yield.
- Research Organization:
- Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- SC0016400
- OSTI ID:
- 1618745
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1612533
- Journal Information:
- Biotechnology for Biofuels, Journal Name: Biotechnology for Biofuels Vol. 11 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 1754-6834
- Publisher:
- BioMed CentralCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- Netherlands
- Language:
- English
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