Abstract

Woody oil plant is gaining increasing interest as substitute for petroleum-derived materials, and its enriched hydroxy and conjugated fatty acids for industrial applications. In pursuit of high-value and level oils, a better understanding of mechanisms regarding triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and accumulation is required. Here we first summarized the germplasm resources of woody oil plants, and the key mediators on TAG synthesis and accumulation, among which diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) is discussed for its clear role in TAG amount and composition. Furthermore TAG-accosiated proteins called oleosins are also discussed in depth due to their determination on the amount and size of oil bodies. Previously, two transcripts of oleosins were isolated from Vernicia fordii by us, and the homology of oleosins is analyzed. TAG accumulation is the result of multi-play action of the above mediators at varied levels. Furthermore, the channel of fatty acids flux also serves as a limiting factor for determination of the rate of TAG accumulation. The knowledge of key mediators modulating TAG accumulation will provide new insight on further metabolic engineering of oilseeds in woody plants.

Key words: Woody oil plant, triacylglycerol accumulation, diacylglycerol acyltransferases, oleosin, fatty acid flux.