The impact of inducible promoters in transgenic plant production and crop improvement

Abstract

Promoters are essential sequences and binds with RNA polymerase and several transcription factors to initiate the transcription of the gene. The promoter consists of several elements which are capable of binding with different transcription factors and modulate the expression of different genes. Besides, the enhancers or repressors also play an important role in moderating the expression of genes. Tissue specific promoters express only in certain tissues like root, leaf and even pollen specific. Moreover, expression of promoters can be induced or repressed by a number of factors like temperature, pH, stress factors, metal ions, ligands etc. These findings have helped in transgenic plants by specific expression of transgenes and avoiding problems like metabolic stress and others. Moreover, the studies of different elements of promoters and elucidation of enhancer or suppressor functions have guided the formulation of synthetic promoters with even more specific functions. These findings also go a long way in aiding the development of genetically modified plants which are nutritionally rich, resistant to different biotic and abiotic conditions and other improved qualities. This review is providing the information and importance of different inducible promoters available in the field of plant biotechnology which could be further useful for crop improvement programs.