HMG2 promoter expression system

Abstract

The promoter elements of plant HMG2 HMGR genes are described. The HMG2 promoter elements are responsive to pathogen-infection, pest-infestation, wounding, or elicitor or chemical treatments. The HMG2 elements are also active in specialized tissues of the plant including pollen and mature fruits. HMG2 promoter elements and HMG2-derived promoters can be advantageously used to drive the expression of disease and pest resistance genes, whereby transgenic plants having such gene constructs would be resistant to the targeted disease and pest. In particular, the HMG2 gene expression system can be utilized in developing nematode-resistant plants. HMG2 promoter elements and HMG2-derived promoters can also be advantageously used to drive the post-harvest expression of desired gene products in plants, wherein the expression of the desired gene product is deferred until the expression is induced by mechanical wounding and/or elicitor treatment of all plant tissue shortly before, during or shortly after harvesting the plant. Further, HMG2 promoter elements and HMG2-derived promoters can also be advantageously used to drive the expression of desired gene products in plant cell cultures, wherein the expression of the desired gene product is deferred until the expression is induced by mechanical wounding or elicitor treatment.