Investigation of transcriptional regulation system of sucrose transporters in cassava via computational approach

Cassava is a multipurpose starchy tuber crop that feeds millions of people globally. Numerous higher-yield cultivars were established during the green revolution to meet cassava demand in the face of climate change. The challenge of decoding the genome to comprehend regulatory mechanisms is progressing. The promoter region of a gene plays a crucial function in modulating transcriptional regulation. However, a few research focused on the gene control of genes relevant to carbon allocation. This study intends to examine the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of sucrose transporter (SUT) genes, which play a crucial role in the partitioning of carbon between source and sink tissues in cassava. The findings demonstrate that cis-acting elements related to cellular growth, hormone response, and stress response are present in the promoter region of five SUTs. Interestingly, MYB, MYC, and Erd1 cis-acting elements are implicated in early drought response or drought-inducible gene expression. Suggesting that the cassava sucrose transporter might respond to drought stress. Furthermore, the SUTs may be controlled by 216 transcription factors (TFs) belonging to 24 families. 9 and 18 TFs, which have positive correlations to SUT gene expression in leaf and root tissues after drought stress simulation PEG treatment, may be responsible for the dynamic regulation of SUT gene expression. Understanding the responsive regulatory systems of sucrose transporters in carbon partitioning is important for modern cassava breeding programs.