Characterization of a small rubber particle protein 1 promoter from guayule (Parthenium argentatum)

Authors: Ponciano, Grisel; Dong, Niu; Dong, Chen; Johnson, Kumiko; Williams, Tina; Wood, Delilah; Chen, Grace

Submitted to: BMC Research Notes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/2025
Publication Date: 9/2/2025
Citation: Ponciano, G.P., Dong, N., Dong, C., Johnson, K., Williams, T.G., Wood, D.F., Chen, G.Q. 2025. Characterization of a small rubber particle protein 1 promoter from guayule (Parthenium argentatum). BMC Research Notes. 18. Article 380. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07448-0.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07448-0

Interpretive Summary: Genetic engineering of guayule (Parthenium argentatum) to improve natural rubber (NR) content requires the use of promoters functional in stem tissues where most of guayule NR is produced. We isolated a promoter region from a guayule rubber biosynthesis gene (Small Rubber Particle Protein, SRPP) and developed transgenic guayule lines for functional analysis. The promoter was shown to be active in leaf, stem and root tissues. The isolated promoter is a new molecular element in the toolbox available for guayule improvement through genetic engineering strategies.

Technical Abstract: Genetic engineering of guayule (Parthenium argentatum) to improve natural rubber (NR) content requires the use of promoters functional in stem tissues where most of guayule NR is produced. We isolated a promoter region from a gene coding the Small Rubber Particle Protein (SRPP). Transgenic guayule lines expressing PaSRPP1 promoter (PaSRPP1-P) fusion with the ß-glucuronidase reporter gene were developed. The PaSRPP1-P is active in leaf, stem and root tissues, and importantly in the stem tissue drives significant levels of transgene expression. The isolated PaSRPP1-P is a new molecular element in the toolbox available for guayule improvement through genetic engineering strategies.