Combining loss of function of FOLYLPOLYGLUTAMATE SYNTHETASE1 and CAFFEOYL-COA 3-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE1 for lignin reduction and improved saccharification efficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

Our observations demonstrate that additional reduction in lignin content and improved sugar release can be achieved by simultaneous downregulation of a gene in the C1 (<i>FPGS1</i>) and lignin biosynthetic (<i>CCOAOMT</i>) pathways. These improvements in sugar accessibility were achieved without introducing unwanted long-term plant growth and developmental defects.