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Laccase As A Target For Decreasing Lignin Content

Studies show that laccases (p-dipheno1:0 2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.3.2) are specifically expressed in lignifying xylem from a variety of vascular plants where they may play a role in the deposition of lignin. Laccases are members of a highly conserved class of metalloenzymes, the "blue" copper oxidases, which includes ascorbate oxidase and ceruloplasmin. Plant laccases can be fractionated into two isoform classes on the basis of their isoelectric point. These different pl forms may be involved in discrete functions in the cell. cDNAs encoding laccase have been isolated from libraries prepared from 1) suspension-cultured cells of Acer psuedoplatanus (sycamore maple) and 2) cambial/lignifying zone tissue of Liriodendron tulipifera (yellow-poplar). The A. psuedoplatanus full-length cDNA clone encodes an acidic form of laccase and represents an highly abundant message in the suspension-cultured system. The L. tulipifera cDNA clone encodes a basic form of the enzyme and its message level is comparatively low.


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Author(s): Peter R. LaFayette, Clayton L. Rugh, Scott A. Merkle, Karl-Erik L. Eriksson, Jeffrey F. D. Dean

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1995