Advances in Genome Sequencing and Natural Rubber Biosynthesis in Rubber-Producing Plants

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Positive notes and comments:

1. The topic of the manuscript is relevant, as it is related to genome sequencing and natural rubber biosynthesis in rubber-producing plants. Biochemical processes in rubber-producing plants have not been fully studied, but it is known that rubber is an important raw material utilized widely in the manufacturing of medical, agricultural and industrial products;

2. The authors have tried to write a comprehensive review, using a large number of valuable scientific articles in the world biochemistry and genetics of plants;

3. The manuscript contains valuable literature data concerning the genome sequence and the processes controlling rubber synthesis in rubber-synthesizing plants. It should be noted that plants are a rather difficult object of study, considering that experiments are slow and lengthy, and feedback from experimental objects is very difficult to collect;

4. Progress in genome sequencing of rubber-producing plants is described, taking into account the introduction of new research methods in the field of biochemical genetics;

5. This area of research is particularly current, studies are only from the last 5-7 years. It should be noted that the first draft genome of TKS (TK1151) was reported in 2017, with an assembled 1.29 Gb genome predicted to contain 46,731 protein-coding genes, including 102 candidate genes involved in the NR biosynthesis pathway;

6. A relatively good interpretation of the available data was made by comparing the two biochemical pathways of synthesis - the mevalonate pathway in the cytosol and the methyl-erythritol pathway in the plasmids. The enzymes controlling these two biosyntheses and the activity of the genes responsible for the synthesis of these enzymes are discussed. However, it is difficult to assess which are the factors that trigger one or another biosynthesis of the enzymes responsible for the relevant biochemical reaction;

7. Although both metabolic pathways start from pyruvate, the biosyntheses proceed differently in different compartments of the plant cell, in the cytoplasm of laticifer cells, which can be found in the phloem of the rubber tree and Rubber synthesizing organelle called Rubber particle in laticifer cells ;

8. Research progress in NR biosynthesis regulation is noted and discussed. In addition to CPTs, it is emphasized that rubber elongation factors (REFs) and small rubber particle proteins (SRPPs) are also crucial for the biosynthesis of high-molecular-weight natural rubber;

9. At the end of the review, in the Conclusions and perspectives section, valuable conclusions are drawn regarding the challenges in rubber tree research. Undoubtedly During recent years, there has been a significant acceleration in the genome sequencing of rubber trees, resulting in the release of high-quality genome assemblies from a number of cultivars and wild germplasm. In conclusion, the authors believe that identifying new components of rubber transferase complex and their regulatory factors will contribute to both the understating of rubber production in alternative rubber-producing plants and the molecular breeding of high-yielding rubber clones.

Negative notes and comments:

Despite the relatively extensive overview, the manuscript also has some shortcomings. The erudition of the authors is evident in their ability to dig deep into the bowels of biochemical genetics and reveal the intimate mechanisms of regulation of gene activity. In my opinion, the authors could have interpreted the extensive literature even more thoroughly. In addition to biochemist scientists, it is necessary to make useful recommendations to the branch for industrial production of latex and natural rubber to optimize the processes in the cultivation of rubber trees.

Notes on the English language of the manuscript:

The manuscript is written in reasonably good English with few exceptions. However, I recommend its final polishing by an English-speaking editor before final acceptance.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Advances in genome sequencing and natural rubber biosynthesis in rubber-producing plants

The paper provides key insights into upcoming advances in natural rubber biosynthesis in (Hevea brasiliensis) and how the progress in genome sequencing would delineate the components of natural rubber biosynthesis, a prospective approach towards molecular breeding of economically important plant.

The paper defines novelty with key researches (Chao et al 2023, Nature communications; Lyu et al, 2023, Nature Plants) discussing genome sequencing and assembly if rubber tree.

Introduction and sections on progress in natural rubber biosynthesis is well described.

Figure needs to be improved for clarity and resolution.

References can be improved.

English language- moderate revision is required for minor grammatical errors etc.

 The paper is of high scientific interest and may be considered after minor revisions.

English language is fine, moderate editing is required.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf