Synergistic effect of WRI1 and DGAT1 coexpression on triacylglycerol biosynthesis in plants

► Co-expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana DGAT1 acyltransferase and WRI1 transcription factor results in a strong synergistic effect on TAG accumulation. ► A synergistic increase in PC was not observed although WRI1, DGAT1 and the combination of both genes all resulted in significant radiolabel incorporation in this pool. ► A synergistic effect on 18:1Δ9 increase in TAG was observed. ► Combining Push and Pull methods will likely be required for maximal increase of storage oil, especially in non-seed tissues.