ALOG/LSHs: a novel class of transcription factors that regulate plant growth and development

Abstract

The ARABIDOPSIS LIGHT-DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS 1 and rice G1/LIGHT-DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS (ALOG/LSH) group proteins are highly conserved across plant lineages from moss to higher flowering plants, suggesting their crucial role in the evolution and adaptation of land plants. The role of ALOG/LSH proteins is highly conserved in various developmental responses, such as vegetative and reproductive developmental programs. Their role in meristem identity, cotyledon development, seedling photomorphogenesis, and leaf and shoot development has been relatively well established. Moreover, several key pieces of evidence suggest their role in inflorescence architecture and flower development, including male and female reproductive organs and flower colouration. Recent research has started to explore their role in stress response. Functionally, ALOG/LSH proteins have been demonstrated to act as transcriptional regulators and are considered a newly emerging class of transcription factors in plants that regulate diverse developmental and physiological processes. This review aims to stimulate discussion about their role in plant development and as transcription factors. It also seeks to further unravel the underlying molecular mechanism by which they regulate growth and development throughout the plant lineage.

Keywords: Marchantia; ALOG; Arabidopsis; LSH; inflorescence architecture; lateral organ development; light signaling; meristem maintenance; rice; stress response.