Decoding the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors for fine-tuning target genes in rice.

BACKGROUND

In the intricate landscape of gene regulation, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) play a pivotal role in controlling gene expression across various biological processes in plants. The bHLH domain, about 60 amino acids long, consists of a DNA-binding basic region and a dimerization helix-loop-helix region. In rice, 188 bHLH proteins are encoded and more than 90 functionally characterized. To finely regulate the expression of various target genes, bHLH TFs engage multiple transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

AIM OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of bHLH TFs in rice. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: bHLH TFs engage the diverse transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including spatiotemporal expression, the formation of inhibitory complexes, and the integration multiple signaling pathways. Additionally, the ability to switch interaction partners provides flexibility in target site recognition, allowing bHLH proteins regulate a wide range of biological processes, from basic cellular functions to complex developmental pathways. Understanding of multiple transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of bHLH TFs can provide key insights for improving crop traits, such as stress resistance and growth efficiency, which are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity in the future.

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