MYB Transcription Factors Becoming Mainstream in Plant Roots

Abstract

The function of the root system is crucial for plant survival, such as anchoring plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the soil, and adapting to stress. MYB transcription factors constitute one of the largest transcription factor families in plant genomes with structural and functional diversifications. Members of this superfamily in plant development and cell differentiation, specialized metabolism, and biotic and abiotic stress processes are widely recognized, but their roles in plant roots are still not well characterized. Recent advances in functional studies remind us that MYB genes may have potentially key roles in roots. In this review, the current knowledge about the functions of MYB genes in roots was summarized, including promoting cell differentiation, regulating cell division through cell cycle, response to biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salt stress, nutrient stress, light, gravity, and fungi), and mediate phytohormone signals. MYB genes from the same subfamily tend to regulate similar biological processes in roots in redundant but precise ways. Given their increasing known functions and wide expression profiles in roots, MYB genes are proposed as key components of the gene regulatory networks associated with distinct biological processes in roots. Further functional studies of MYB genes will provide an important basis for root regulatory mechanisms, enabling a more inclusive green revolution and sustainable agriculture to face the constant changes in climate and environmental conditions.

Comparative transcriptional analysis of Persea americana MYB, WRKY and AP2/ERF transcription factors following Phytophthora cinnamomi infection

“…Lastly, passive defence responses including rapid root growth and feeder root regeneration have been shown to enhance the resistance of avocado rootstocks towards P. cinnamomi and to reduce infection symptoms (Sánchez‐Pérez et al., 2009 ). The increased expression levels observed for growth‐related PaMYBs and PaWRKYs in Dusa may contribute to the activation of root growth and regeneration, reducing the impact of P. cinnamomi infection (Chen et al., 2022 ; Grunewald et al., 2012 ).…”

Transcriptome Dynamics in Triticum aestivum Genotypes Associated with Resistance against the Wheat Dwarf Virus

“…The bHLH TFs play a role in plant response to stress and are involved in plant photomorphogenesis, light signal transduction and secondary metabolism [ 81 ]. The MYB TFs have a key function in plant hormone synthesis, signal transduction and plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses [ 82 ]. WRKY is one of the largest TF families and has a role in abiotic and biotic stresses by regulating the signal transduction pathway of plant hormones [ 83 ].…”

Molecular Genetics Enhances Plant Breeding

“…In this sense, another review within this collection by Zhang et al [ 8 ] was more concrete in envisioning gene targets for biotic pressures, specifically that clubroot control methods in cruciferous crops could be harnessed with allelic variation at the R genes, which are in turn susceptible to be gene-edited, eventually. Similarly, the reviews by Chen et al [ 9 ] and Jiang et al [ 10 ] prospected gene-enabled abiotic stress responses by looking at the MYB genes in plant roots and the miR393 during plant development, respectively.…”

“…For original datasets, please refer to the published articles [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ] within the second Special Issue of IJMS on “Molecular Genetics and Plant Breeding 2.0” ( , as accessed on 6 June 2023).…”