The Dynamics of Cis-Regulatory Elements in Promoter Regions of Tomato Sucrose Transporter Genes

Transport of sucrose in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) between sites of synthesis and sinks largely depends on sugar transporter proteins, the products of sucrose transporter genes (SUTs). Promoter regions of these genes provide a better understanding of fruit development mechanisms and how control of biological activities occurs in plants. Modeling of promoter regions of genes in the SUT gene family, SUT1, SUT2, and SUT4, of tomato was accomplished. Analysis of cis-regulatory element distribution was accomplished using the in-silico tools PlantCARE and PLACE. The outcome indicated most cis-elements are challenge-responsive, and the least number of cis-elements in the majority of tomato sucrose transporter genes are associated with hormonal regulation. Among SUT genes from tomato, SUT4 harbors the most cis-acting regulatory elements associated with hormonal regulation and challenge–response. This indicates the possibility of higher challenge-responsiveness and lower hormonal regulatory activity of SUT genes in tomato. The expression pattern of tomato SUT genes was studied through Genevestigator. The analyses of cis-acting regulatory elements in promoter regions of tomato SUT genes are important for understanding the productivity and fruit development processes in tomato.