A mini review: RuBisCo small subunit as a strong, green tissue-specific promoter

Abstract

Plant genetic transformation is a powerful application used to study gene expression in plants. Transcriptomics has the potential to rapidly increase our knowledge of spatial and temporal gene expression and lead to new promoters for research and development. The availability of a broad spectrum of promoters with the ability to regulate the temporal and spatial expression patterns of transgenes can increase the successful application of transgenic technology. A variety of promoters is necessary at all levels of genetic engineering in plants, from basic research, to the development of economically viable crops and plant commodities, it can address legitimate concerns raised about the safety and containment of transgenic plants in the environment. Compared with temporal- or spatial-specific expression of a toxin, constitutive expression of foreign proteins in transgenic plants can cause adverse effects. The constitutive overexpression of transgenes that interferes with normal processes in a plant underscores the need for refinement of transgene expression. The development of tissue-specific promoters to drive transgene expression has helped fulfill that need. Therefore, in certain circumstances it is desirable to use expression-specific promoters which only express the foreign gene in specific plant tissues or organs. This review highlights the uses and benefits reaped by the use of green tissue-specific promoter for the RuBisCo small subunit in different crops and systems and thus establishing a broad range of tissue-specific promoters. Such plant promoters that are activated precisely when and where they are needed would be ideal for genetic engineering strategies.