The present invention relates to expression cassettes comprising at least one transcription regulating nucleotide sequence obtainable from the group of genes of monocotyle-donous plants consisting of caffeoyl-CoA-O-methyltransferase genes, C8,7-sterol isomerase genes, hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) genes, lactate dehydrogenase genes, and chloroplast protein 12 like genes. More preferably the transcription regulating sequences are obtainable from Zea mays or Oryza sativa. The transcription regulating sequences are especially useful for root/kernel-preferential, leaf/endosperm-preferential, root/silk/kernel-preferential, or constitutive expression.