CRISPR/Cas9 editing of p-COUMAROYL-CoA:MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE 1 in maize alters phenolic metabolism, lignin structure, and lignin-first biomass processing

CRISPR/Cas9 editing of a single key gene in lignin biosynthesis in maize, p-COUMAROYL-CoA:MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE 1 (ZmPMT1), eliminates lignin p-coumaroylation and enhances guaiacyl lignin, enabling lignin-first biorefining for bio-based polyurethane precursors. This dual-purposed crop approach provides a sustainable feedstock for renewable chemicals in addition to food or feed production.