Engineering topics

Shu, Mengjun

Publications and source records attributed to Shu, Mengjun.

6 records

DOE OSTI2026

APPL Hyperspectral_Imaging_Dataset_for_Heritability_Analysis_in_Populus_trichocarpa

This dataset contains hyperspectral imaging data collected at the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory (APPL) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Natural variants of Populus trichocarpa were imaged using a high-throughput hyperspectral phenotyping pipeline to quantify spectral reflectance traits for downstream quantitative genetics analyses. The dataset includes hyperspectral image files and derived reflectance data products suitable for extracting spectral features across the measured wavelength range (e.g., VNIR and/or SWIR, depending on instrument configuration), along with associated sample metadata (e.g., genotype identifiers, experimental design factors, and imaging run identifiers). These data were generated to support analyses of broad-sense heritability of hyperspectral traits and their relationships with biochemical phenotypes (including lignin traits from Py-MBMS).

APPL↗

DOE OSTI2026

Pyrolysis Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry_Analysis_of_Natural_Variants_of_Poplulus_Trichocarpa_Leaves

Select leaves from natural variants of Poplar (Populus Trichocarpa) grown in a greenhouse at Oak Ridge National Laboratory were analyzed by Pyrolysis-Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry (Py-MBMS). Leaves were harvested, cryomilled and kept frozen until analysis. Py-MBMS analysis was conducted using approximately 4 mg of biomass and each sample was analyzed in duplicate. A Frontier PY2020 unit pyrolyzed samples at 500°C for 30 s in 80 µL deactivated stainless steel cups. An Extrel Super-Sonic MBMS Model Max 1000 was used to collect mass spectral data fromm/z30 to 450 at 17 eV and processed using Merlin Automation software (V3). Spectral ion intensities were normalized to the total ion chromatogram signal for each sample for analysis of spectral variance. Lignin content (wt %) was estimated based on relative responses from standards of known Klason lignin content using mean-normalized ion intensities ofm/z120, 124 (G), 137 (G), 138 (G), 150 (G), 152, 154 (S), 164 (G), 167 (S), 168 (S), 178 (G), 180, 181, 182 (S), 194 (S), 208 (S) and 210 (S) where G indicates guaiacyl-derived ions, S indicates syringyl-derived ions, and other ions either derive from other lignin monomers or multiple sources. Ratios of S and G lignin monomer units (S/G) were obtained by dividing the sum of S-based ions by the sum of G-based ions using mean-normalized ion intensities.

CBI↗

DOE OSTI2026

Hyperspectral traits (TSWIFT) UC Davis Populus trichocarpa Common Garden

This dataset provides tower-based hyperspectral remote sensing measurements of individualPopulustrees collected with the TSWIFT system to support genetic analyses of canopy photosynthetic traits over time under drought. From 2022-08-18 to 2022-10-18, spectra were repeatedly acquired from the same targeted canopy area of each tree using fixed pointing coordinates. The dataset includes hyperspectral measurements from 400–900 nm and ultraspectral measurements from 730–780 nm. These spectra enable calculation of reflectance-based vegetation indices and other spectral traits, including solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) retrievals from the ultraspectral region. Because measurements were collected exclusively over a drought treatment plot, derived phenotypes are intended for drought-context genetic association and prediction analyses.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Providing biological context for GWAS results using eQTL regulatory and co‐expression networks in Populus

Summary Our study utilized genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to link nucleotide variants to traits in Populus trichocarpa , a species with rapid linkage disequilibrium decay. The aim was to overcome the challenge of interpreting statistical associations at individual loci without sufficient biological context, which often leads to reliance solely on gene annotations from unrelated model organisms. We employed an integrative approach that included GWAS targeting multiple traits using three individual techniques for lignocellulose phenotyping, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis to construct transcriptional regulatory networks around each candidate locus and co‐expression analysis to provide biological context for these networks, using lignocellulose biosynthesis in Populus trichocarpa as a case study. The research identified three candidate genes potentially involved in lignocellulose formation, including one previously recognized gene (Potri.005G116800/VND1, a critical regulator of secondary cell wall formation) and two genes (Potri.012G130000/AtSAP9 and Potri.004G202900/BIC1) with newly identified putative roles in lignocellulose biosynthesis. Our integrative approach offers a framework for providing biological context to loci associated with trait variation, facilitating the discovery of new genes and regulatory networks.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Expression quantitative trait loci mapping identified PtrXB38 as a key hub gene in adventitious root development in Populus

Summary Plant establishment requires the formation and development of an extensive root system with architecture modulated by complex genetic networks. Here, we report the identification of the PtrXB38 gene as an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) hotspot, mapped using 390 leaf and 444 xylem Populus trichocarpa transcriptomes. Among predicted targets of this trans ‐eQTL were genes involved in plant hormone responses and root development. Overexpression of PtrXB38 in Populus led to significant increases in callusing and formation of both stem‐born roots and base‐born adventitious roots. Omics studies revealed that genes and proteins controlling auxin transport and signaling were involved in PtrXB38‐mediated adventitious root formation. Protein–protein interaction assays indicated that PtrXB38 interacts with components of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport machinery, implying that PtrXB38‐regulated root development may be mediated by regulating endocytosis pathway. Taken together, this work identified a crucial root development regulator and sheds light on the discovery of other plant developmental regulators through combining eQTL mapping and omics approaches.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Novel candidate genes for lignin structure identified through genome-wide association study of naturally varying Populus trichocarpa

Populus is a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts. However, the cell wall biopolymer lignin is a major barrier in conversion of biomass to biofuels. To investigate the variability and underlying genetic basis of the complex structure of lignin, a population of 409 three-year-old, naturally varying Populus trichocarpa genotypes were characterized by heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A subsequent genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using approximately 8.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which identified 756 genes that were significantly associated (−log 10 ( p -value)>6) with at least one lignin phenotype. Several promising candidate genes were identified, many of which have not previously been reported to be associated with lignin or cell wall biosynthesis. These results provide a resource for gaining insights into the molecular mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis and new targets for future genetic improvement in poplar.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗