Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 391-402 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 391 Research Perspective Open Access Prospects of Genetic Modification in EnhancingEucommia ulmoides Production Mimi Liu1, DanZhao1 , Degang Zhao1,2 1 The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Institute of Agro- Bioengineering / College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China 2 Plant Conservation & Breeding Technology Center, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology / Biotechnology Institute of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, Guizhou, China Corresponding emails: dzhao@gzu.edu.cn; dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0037 Received: 09 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 10 Dec., 2024 Published: 18 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu M.M., Zhao D., and Zhao D.G., 2024, Prospects of genetic modification in enhancing Eucommia ulmoides production, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(6): 391-402 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0037) Abstract This study aims to explore the potential of genetic modification techniques in improving the production efficiency of Eucommia ulmoides. Eucommia ulmoides has garnered attention for its medicinal and industrial value, particularly in its role in rubber biosynthesis. Utilizing high-quality genome assembly and transcriptomic analysis, the research identified a series of key genes and metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of rubber and chlorogenic acid, sex differentiation, and stress response. Notably, the study found that the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is the primary route for isopentenyl diphosphate synthesis in Eucommia ulmoides, while the mevalonate (MVA) pathway serves this role in the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Additionally, the EuAP3 and EuAG genes are associated with sex differentiation, and the high expression of the ω-3 fatty acid desaturase-encoding gene EU0103017 is related to the biosynthesis of α-linolenic acid. The study also revealed that the promoter activity of the small rubber particle protein (SRPP) gene is regulated by methyl jasmonate, gibberellins, and drought pathways, indicating these factors as potential targets for gene enhancement. Moreover, the EuTIL1 gene was identified as a key gene for enhancing cold tolerance, providing a molecular basis for expanding the cultivation range of Eucommia ulmoides. The findings suggest that genetic modification techniques hold great potential in improving the yield and quality of Eucommia ulmoides. By modifying specific genes and metabolic pathways, it is expected to increase rubber yield, enhance stress resistance, and improve other economically important traits to meet the growing demand for this valuable resource. Keywords Eucommia ulmoides; Genetic modification; Rubber biosynthesis; Chlorogenic acid; Sex differentiation; Stress tolerance; SRPPgene; EuTIL1gene 1 Introduction Eucommia ulmoides, commonly known as the hardy rubber tree, is a species of significant botanical and economic importance. As the only species within the family Eucommiaceae, it has garnered attention for its ability to produce trans-polyisoprene, known as Eu-rubber (Wang et al., 2016; Wuyun et al., 2017). In traditional Chinese medicine, Eucommia is widely used for its health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects (Li et al., 2020). Agriculturally, Eucommia holds substantial value in pharmacology, horticultural landscaping, and as a natural rubber resource, and it is extensively cultivated in China (Jin et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2023b). Despite its development potential, the cultivation of Eucommia ulmoides still faces numerous challenges. One of the primary issues affecting its commercial viability is the limited yield of Eucommia rubber (Zhao et al., 2023b). Environmental stressors such as drought and climate change complicate the cultivation process, further impacting the growth and rubber production of Eucommia (Jin et al., 2020; Zhao et al., 2023b). Additionally, with the increasing market demand for natural rubber and medicinal products derived fromEucommia, there is an urgent need to improve cultivation techniques to meet these demands (Wang et al., 2016; Wuyun et al., 2017). Genetic modification offers potential solutions to the challenges faced in Eucommia ulmoides cultivation. Advances in genomic technologies, such as high-quality genome assembly and the identification of key genes related to rubber biosynthesis, have laid the foundation for genetic engineering research (Wuyun et al., 2017; Li et al., 2020). By regulating genes associated with stress resistance, growth traits, and rubber biosynthesis, the yield and adaptability of Eucommia ulmoides can be improved (Jin et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2023a; 2023b). For
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