Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the transcription factor Nuclear Factor B (NFB2) gene of Zea mays and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Zea mays NFB2 regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.