Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the <i>REF</i> Genes in 17 Species
Natural rubber production currently relies heavily on a single species, <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>, underscoring the urgent need to identify alternative sources to alleviate the strain on natural rubber production. The rubber elongation factor (REF) and small rubber particle protein (SRPP...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Current Issues in Molecular Biology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/11/701 |
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| Summary: | Natural rubber production currently relies heavily on a single species, <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>, underscoring the urgent need to identify alternative sources to alleviate the strain on natural rubber production. The rubber elongation factor (REF) and small rubber particle protein (SRPP), both members of the <i>REF</i>/<i>SRPP</i> gene family, are crucial for natural rubber biosynthesis. However, research on the <i>REF</i> gene has predominantly focused on <i>H. brasiliensis</i> and <i>Taraxacum kok-saghyz</i>. We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the <i>REF</i> gene, identifying 87 REF protein sequences across 17 plants species. We observed a significant increase in the copy numbers and expression of <i>REF</i> genes in rubber-producing plants. Notably, in <i>H</i>. <i>brasiliensis</i>, <i>T</i>. <i>kok-saghyz</i>, <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i>, <i>Lactuca sativa</i>, and other rubber-yielding species, the number of <i>REF</i> genes has markedly increased. Furthermore, some <i>REF</i> genes in <i>H. brasiliensis</i> form a distinct clade in phylogenetic analyses and exhibit differences in conserved motif arrangements and tertiary protein structures compared to other <i>REF</i> genes. These findings suggest that <i>REF</i> genes in rubber-producing plants may have undergone independent evolution, leading to changes in copy number and structure. These alterations could contribute to the production of natural rubber in these species. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for further research into the mechanisms of rubber production in plants and for identifying potential rubber-producing species. |
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| ISSN: | 1467-3037 1467-3045 |