Assessing the impact of the 4CL enzyme complex on the robustness of monolignol biosynthesis using metabolic pathway analysis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193896
• Publication Date: 2018-03-06T13:32:27Z
• Authors: Punith Naik; Jack P. Wang; Ronald Sederoff; Vincent Chiang; Cranos Williams; Joel J. Ducoste
• Keywords: Monolignol; Robustness; Metabolic pathway; Metabolic Engineering

Lignin is a polymer present in the secondary cell walls of all vascular plants. It known barrier to pulping and extraction high-energy sugars from cellulosic biomass. The challenge faced with predicting outcomes transgenic plants reduced lignin due part presence unique protein-protein interactions that influence regulation metabolic flux pathway. Yet, it unclear why certain have evolved create these protein complexes. In this study, we use mathematical models investigate role complex, formed specifically between Ptr4CL3 Ptr4CL5 enzymes, on monolignol biosynthesis Ptr4CL3-Ptr4CL5 enzyme complex steady state distribution was quantified by performing Monte Carlo simulations. effect robustness homeostatic properties pathway were identified sensitivity stability analyses, respectively. Results analyses suggest biosynthetic resilient mild perturbations complex. Specifically, increased 22%. maintained multiple isoforms as well alternative pathways resulting