Roles of rubber elongation factor and small rubber particle protein in rubber particles

Rubber elongation factor (REF) and small rubber particle protein (SRPP) are critical components in the biosynthesis of natural rubber in Hevea species, with both proteins playing significant roles in regulating stress responses. Despite recent advancements in understanding their regulatory mechanisms, a comprehensive analysis of their functional roles, gene evolution, expression patterns, and biological regulation is still needed. This review consolidates current knowledge on REF and SRPP, highlighting their evolutionary history and the influence of environmental factors and hormonal signals on their transcriptional regulation. Additionally, it explores the potential of REF and SRPP in plant breeding, not only for improving rubber-producing plants but also for enhancing stress tolerance in non-rubber-producing species. The review emphasizes the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms driving REF and SRPP function, including their involvement in stress resilience and interactions with other proteins in rubber biosynthesis. By synthesizing the latest findings, this work aims to inform future breeding strategies and genetic engineering efforts, with a particular focus on improving rubber production efficiency and increasing plant resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. This review provides valuable insights for optimizing the utilization of REF and SRPP in future crop improvement programs.