Molecular cloning and characterisation of root-specific SlREO promoter of the Indian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar.

Abstract

Genetic transformation is helpful in enhancing crops, utilising promoters that can be constitutive, inducible, or tissue-specific. However, the use of constitutive promoters may hinder plant growth due to energy consumption during cellular processes. To optimise transgene effects, tissue-specific promoters like root-specific ones prove valuable in addressing root-related issues and enhancing productivity. Yet, identified root-specific promoters in crop are limited. To address this gap, the expression pattern of the root-specific SlREO promoter was examined across various crops. Sequencing confirmed its identity and high homology (99%) with the NCBI database, distinct from other plants tested. Using the PLACE database, six motifs associated with root expression were identified, along with several other important elements. The 2.4kb SlREO promoter was linked to a ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene alongside the CaMV35S promoter in pRI 201-AN-GUS vectors to study its expression. Histochemistry revealed strong root-specific expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ) root tissues and limited expression in stems. However, the SlREO promoter did not consistently maintain its root-specific expression in other plants. Conversely, the CaMV35S promoter exhibited constitutive expression across all tissues in various plants. This study underscores the potential of the SlREO promoter as a root-specific regulatory element, offering avenues for improving crops, particularly against environmental stresses.