Network-based integration of systems genetics data reveals pathways associated with lignocellulosic biomass accumulation and processing

Abstract

Significance Carbon fixation and accumulation as lignocellulosic biomass is of global ecological and industrial importance and most significantly occurs in the form of wood development in trees. Traits of importance in biomass accumulation are highly complex and, aside from environmental factors, are affected by many pathways and thousands of genes. We have applied a network-based data integration method for a systems genetics analysis of genes, processes, and pathways underlying biomass and bioenergy-related traits using segregating Eucalyptus hybrid tree populations. We could link biologically meaningful sets of genes to complex traits and at the same time reveal the molecular basis of trait variation. Such a holistic view of the biology of wood formation will contribute to genetic improvement and engineering of plant biomass.