Molecular and functional characterization of the HbSRPP promoter in response to hormones and abiotic stresses

Small rubber particle protein (SRPP) is a major component of Hevea brasiliensis latex, and obviously participates in the biosynthesis of natural rubber. However, little information is available about regulation of SRPP gene expression. In this study, the promoter region of HbSRPP was isolated and characterized. Its sequence included regulatory elements predicted to be responsive to hormones and other environmental cues. Promoter deletion analysis revealed that 219 nucleotides (nt) upstream of the transcription start site were sufficient for expression. The region from −1,055 to −219 nt positively regulated expression induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), and wounding; the region from −734 to −528 nt positively regulated expression induced by gibberellic acid (GA); the region from −734 to −219 nt positively regulated expression induced by heat; the region from −1,055 to −4 negatively regulated expression induced by cold; the region from −219 to −4 nt was associated with negative regulation of expression induced by ABA and wounding; the region from −528 to −4 nt negatively regulated expression induced by GA. These results suggest the activity of the HbSRPP promoter is regulated by MeJA, ABA, GA, cold, heat, and wounding.