<p>The natural rubber tree (<i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>) is a sustainable agroforestry species and play a vital role in supporting the global rubber industry. In addition to its latex production, <i>Hevea</i> has emerged as a biofactory for its potential in pharmaceutical protein expression. Latex can be collected through non-destructive tapping, allowing continuous harvesting over long periods of time. It enables production of recombinant proteins at a relatively low cost. These characteristics highlight its potential for molecular pharming in addition to its established role in rubber production. Since the initial confined field trials carried out in Malaysia, research on the genetic transformation of <i>Hevea</i> has progressed steadily. The Malaysian Rubber Board has developed the production of pharmaceutical proteins of human atrial natriuretic factor and human protamine. In parallel, studies conducted by various research groups have contributed to improvements in transformation efficiency, promoter characterisation, and somatic embryogenesis protocols. Gene-editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 have been introduced and being considered for future application improving transgene stability and protein yield. Collaborative research efforts have also improved the understanding of latex-specific expression and regeneration constraints. Despite these advances, several challenges remain in the development of latex-based molecular farming. Recombinant protein yields are often low, protein instability and concerns related to allergenicity and biosafety regulation remain significant. Continued improvement in genetic engineering strategies, protein recovery methods, and regulatory assessment will be necessary. This review summarises progress in transgenic rubber research, discusses current challenges and biosafety considerations, and highlights future opportunities for developing <i>Hevea</i> latex as a sustainable platform for pharmaceutical protein production.</p>

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Unlocking Hevea’s resilience: a review on transgenic rubber and pharmaceutical protein production in latex

  • Siti Shuhada Shuib,
  • Sunderasan Elumalai,
  • Arokiaraj Pappusamy,
  • Parameswari Namasivayam,
  • Nur Fatihah Mohd Yusoff,
  • Suhaimi Napis,
  • Thean Chor Leow

摘要

The natural rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a sustainable agroforestry species and play a vital role in supporting the global rubber industry. In addition to its latex production, Hevea has emerged as a biofactory for its potential in pharmaceutical protein expression. Latex can be collected through non-destructive tapping, allowing continuous harvesting over long periods of time. It enables production of recombinant proteins at a relatively low cost. These characteristics highlight its potential for molecular pharming in addition to its established role in rubber production. Since the initial confined field trials carried out in Malaysia, research on the genetic transformation of Hevea has progressed steadily. The Malaysian Rubber Board has developed the production of pharmaceutical proteins of human atrial natriuretic factor and human protamine. In parallel, studies conducted by various research groups have contributed to improvements in transformation efficiency, promoter characterisation, and somatic embryogenesis protocols. Gene-editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 have been introduced and being considered for future application improving transgene stability and protein yield. Collaborative research efforts have also improved the understanding of latex-specific expression and regeneration constraints. Despite these advances, several challenges remain in the development of latex-based molecular farming. Recombinant protein yields are often low, protein instability and concerns related to allergenicity and biosafety regulation remain significant. Continued improvement in genetic engineering strategies, protein recovery methods, and regulatory assessment will be necessary. This review summarises progress in transgenic rubber research, discusses current challenges and biosafety considerations, and highlights future opportunities for developing Hevea latex as a sustainable platform for pharmaceutical protein production.