Identification of Transcription Factors Involved in Rubber Biosynthesis

Mendel Biotechnology, Incorporated has identified approximately 1700 transcription factors (TFs) from Arabidopsis thaliana. We have proprietary methods which will allow us to determine the interaction of TFs with any promoter of interest. The primary objective of this Phase I SBIR grant is to identify A. thaliana transcription factors which can activate Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) promoters of genes in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. We currently have access to Guayule genes which are in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway leading to rubber or to other isoprenoids: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate synthase, and sesquiterpene cyclase (kindly provided by Dr. Katrina Cornish, Western Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS). Dr. Cornish will also provide the promoters for rubber synthase when it becomes available.