Abstract: The present invention relates to the regulation of polynucleotide transcription and/or expression. In particular, this invention relates to polynucleotide regulatory sequences isolated from Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus radiata that are capable of conferring vascular-preferred polynucleotide transcription in plant cells. Constructs and methods for using the inventive regulatory sequences for modifying transcription of endogenous and/or heterologous polynucleotides also are included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing syringyl lignin in gymnosperms. The production of syringyl lignin in gymnosperms is accomplished by genetically transforming a gymnosperm genome, which does not normally contain genes which code for enzymes necessary for production of syringyl lignin, with DNA which codes for enzymes found in angiosperms associated with production of syringyl lignin. The expression of the inserted DNA is mediated using host promoter regions in the gymnosperm. In addition, genetic sequences which code for gymnosperm lignin anti-sense mRNA may be incorporated into the gymnosperm genome in order to suppress the formation of the less preferred forms of lignin in the gymnosperm such as guaiacyl lignin.

Abstract: DNA constructs comprising a first DNA segment that corresponds to at least a portion of a gene in the monolignol biosynthetic pathway, a spacer DNA segment, and a second DNA segment that is complementary to the first DNA segment can be used to reduce or modulate the lignin content in plants. In some embodiments, DNA constructs comprise at least a portion of a gene for 4CL, C3H, CCR, C4H or CCoAOMT. Vascular-preferred and constitutive promoters can be used to drive expression of the constructs.

Abstract: This application discloses methods for modulating plant growth and biomass comprising stably incorporating into the genome of the plant a genetic construct comprising a gene promoter that is active in wood-forming tissues, a polynucleotide sequence encoding polypeptide regulators of cell division and a gene termination sequence.

Abstract: Plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with DNA constructs comprising the inventive polynucleotide. Methods for using the inventive constructs for regulating gene expression are provided, along with transgenic plants comprising the inventive constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin composition and deposition in secondary cell wall layers of plants to improve plant traits that are commercially desirable (e.g., enhanced digestibility of forage crops by animals, increased post-harvest processing of wood and crops for energy production and pulping, increase mechanical strength of plants, and others). The invention also provides methods for identifying genes encoding transcription factors that regulate the formation of secondary cell walls, polynucleotide sequences that encode key components of secondary cell walls, and transgenic plants comprising these sequences.

Abstract: Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regulation of polynucleotide transcription and/or expression. In particular, this invention relates to polynucleotide regulatory sequences isolated from Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus radiata that are capable of conferring vascular-preferred polynucleotide transcription in plant cells. Constructs and methods for using the inventive regulatory sequences for modifying transcription of endogenous and/or heterologous polynucleotides also are included in the invention.

Abstract: Plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with DNA constructs comprising the inventive polynucleotide. Methods for using the inventive constructs for regulating gene expression are provided, along with transgenic plants comprising the inventive constructs.

Abstract: DNA constructs useful for suppressing the expression of targeted genes are provided. The constructs encode an RNA molecule with a stem-loop structure that is unrelated to the target gene and that is positioned distally to a sequence specific for the gene of interest. Methods of suppressing the expression of selected genes and transformed hosts also are described. In one embodiment, the DNA constructs and methods are used to selectively suppress gene expression in plants and plant cells.