Two softwood GUX clades are responsible for distinct glucuronic acid patterns on xylan.

Abstract

Wood of coniferous (softwood) trees, is a globally significant carbon sink and an important source of biomass for industrial applications. Despite its importance, very little is known about the genetic basis of softwood biosynthesis. Glucomannan and xylan are the main hemicelluloses in softwood secondary cell walls. Xylan interacts with the cellulose fibrils in a two-fold screw configuration. Moreover, we have shown that xylan GUX (GlucUronic acid substitution of Xylan)-dependent branching with glucuronic acid is critical for biomass recalcitrance. Here, we investigated the decoration patterns of xylan by softwood GUX enzymes. Using in vitro and in planta assays we demonstrate that two distinct clades of conifer GUX enzymes are active glucuronyltransferases. Interestingly, these enzymes have different specific activities, with one adding evenly spaced GlcA branches and the other one being also capable of glucuronidating two consecutive xyloses. Since xylan patterning might modulate xylan-cellulose and xylan-lignin interactions, our result further the understanding of softwood biosynthesis and can contribute to strategies aimed at modifying softwood cell wall properties.