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Genomics, proteomics, and lipidomics analyses of Hevea brasiliensis and other five Hevea species

October 16, 2025

New development in the quality and characteristics of natural rubber

The study group of researchers from Yokohama City University, Kihara Institute for Biological Research, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS), Keio University, and Maebashi Institute of Technology, collaborating with those from Universiti Sains Malaysia and Indonesian Rubber Research Institute, conducted a comprehensive analysis combining the genomics analysis of Hevea brasiliensis, used in bulk in natural rubber-producing countries, and five other Hevea species and varieties, the comparative gene analysis among the six species, and their proteomics and lipidomics analyses. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the establishment of sustainable natural rubber production systems.

Because people have only been cultivating the widely used species, Hevea brasiliensis, the plant’s genetic diversity has become poor. To ensure stable and sustainable production of natural rubber, it is essential to re-evaluate the genetic diversity of its closely related species and varieties. Thus, in this study, the researchers aimed to comprehensively reveal the diversity of the Hevea genus at the omics level. The findings of this study regarding genes, proteins, and lipids involved in latex yields and rubber quality are expected to help establish a foundation for the efficient growth of high-yield species and the introduction of disease resistance and environmental adaptability. Additionally, they could lead to the development of rubber trees resilient to climate change.

 

Original article
GigaScience　doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giaf115
N.-S. Lau, E. Okubo-Kurihara, Y. Makita, F. Oktavia, T. Kuriyama, Y. Kurihara, H. Hamasaki, Y. Nakamura, M. Kadota, O. Nishimura, S. Kuraku, A. S. Othman, M. Matsui,
"Comparative genomics and multi-omics analyses reveal the evolution and physiological basis of rubber biosynthesis in Hevea species".
Contact
Minami Matsui
Senior Visiting Scientist
Plant Genomic Network Research Team