Abstract.
It has previously been shown (D.R. Gang et al., 1999, J Biol Chem 274: 7516–7527) that the most abundant protein in the secondary xylem of poplar (Populus trichocarpa cv. `Trichobel') is a phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase (PCBER), an enzyme involved in lignan synthesis. Here, the distribution and abundance of PCBER in poplar was studied at both the RNA and protein level. The cellular expression pattern was determined by immunolocalization of greenhouse-grown plants as well as of a field-grown poplar. Compared to other poplar tissues, PCBER is preferentially produced in the secondary xylem of stems and roots and is associated with the active growth period. The protein is present in all cells of the young differentiating xylem, corresponding to the zone of active phenylpropanoid metabolism and lignification. In addition, PCBER is located in young differentiating phloem fibers, in xylem ray parenchyma, and in xylem parenchyma cells at the growth-ring border. Essentially the same expression pattern was observed in poplars grown in greenhouses and in the field. The synthesis of PCBER in phenylpropanoid-synthesizing tissues was confirmed in a bending experiment. Induction of PCBER was observed in the pith of mechanically bent poplar stems, where phenylpropanoid metabolism is induced. These results indicate that the products of PCBER activity are synthesized mainly in lignifying tissues, suggesting a role in wood development.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 28 September 1999 / Accepted: 15 March 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vander Mijnsbrugge, K., Beeckman, H., De Rycke, R. et al. Phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase, a prominent poplar xylem protein, is strongly associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in lignifying cells. Planta 211, 502–509 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250000326
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250000326