Anther development is a complex process essential for plant reproduction and crop
yields. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the
identification and characterization of the bHLH transcription factor family
involved in anther regulation in rice and Arabidopsis, two extensively studied
model plants. Research on bHLH transcription factors has unveiled their crucial
function in controlling tapetum development, pollen wall formation, and other
anther-specific processes. By exploring deeper into regulatory mechanisms
governing anther development and bHLH transcription factors, we can gain
important insights into plant reproduction, thereby accelerating crop yield
improvement and the development of new plant breeding strategies. This review
provides an overview of the current knowledge on anther development in rice and
Arabidopsis, emphasizing the critical roles played by bHLH transcription factors
in this process. Recent advances in gene expression analysis and functional
studies are highlighted, as they have significantly enhanced our understanding
of the regulatory networks involved in anther development.