ORNL researchers ID specific proteins and amino acids that could impact growth and carbon storage

In Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers have identified specific proteins and amino acids that could control bioenergy plants’ ability to identify beneficial microbes that can enhance plant growth and storage of carbon in soils. The research is published in the Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.

These proteins, called LysM receptor-like kinases, regulate signaling between plants and microbes, a process that influences biomass production, root performance and carbon storage. The study showed these kinases potentially help poplar trees differentiate between helpful and disease-causing microbes.

With this information, scientists can better target bioengineering efforts aimed at promoting plant-microbe symbiosis to boost poplar trees’ growth and sustainability in future climates.