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Review
. 2024 Dec 11;25(24):13278.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252413278.

Evolution and Function of MADS-Box Transcription Factors in Plants

Zihao Zhang  1 , Wenhui Zou  1   2 , Peixia Lin  1 , Zixun Wang  1 , Ye Chen  3 , Xiaodong Yang  1 , Wanying Zhao  1 , Yuanyuan Zhang  1 , Dongjiao Wang  1 , Youxiong Que  1 , Qibin Wu  1
Affiliations
Review

Evolution and Function of MADS-Box Transcription Factors in Plants

Zihao Zhang et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

The MADS-box transcription factor (TF) gene family is pivotal in various aspects of plant biology, particularly in growth, development, and environmental adaptation. It comprises Type I and Type II categories, with the MIKC-type subgroups playing a crucial role in regulating genes essential for both the vegetative and reproductive stages of plant life. Notably, MADS-box proteins can influence processes such as flowering, fruit ripening, and stress tolerance. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structural features, evolutionary lineage, multifaceted functions, and the role of MADS-box TFs in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. We particularly emphasize their implications for crop enhancement, especially in light of recent advances in understanding the impact on sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), a vital tropical crop. By consolidating cutting-edge findings, we highlight potential avenues for expanding our knowledge base and enhancing the genetic traits of sugarcane through functional genomics and advanced breeding techniques. This review underscores the significance of MADS-box TFs in achieving improved yields and stress resilience in agricultural contexts, positioning them as promising targets for future research in crop science.

Keywords: MADS-box; crop improvement; evolution and function; stress response.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The structure and evolution of MADS-box proteins. (a) Structural differences between Type I and Type II MADS-box proteins; (b) Protein sequences of the MADS-box domains in Type I and Type II MADS-box TFs, along with the K-domains found in Type II MADS-box TFs. The red box highlights amino acids that are completely conserved across all MADS-box domains; (c) Three-dimensional protein structure diagrams of the Type I and Type II MADS-box domains, as well as the K-domain; (d) Distribution of MADS-box family genes in 17 Plantae species. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on NCBI taxonomy browser. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/CommonTree/wwwcmt.cgi (accessed on 20 October 2024) and MEGA version 11, with Physcomitrium patens serving as an outgroup. The blue sections represent dicotyledonous plants, the orange sections represent monocotyledonous plants, and the green sections indicate the confidence levels of the evolutionary branches.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Regulatory mechanisms of MADS-box genes in various plant species during developmental processes.
Figure 3
Figure 3
MADS-box genes are involved in abiotic stress response in different developmental processes in several plants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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