Functional Diversification and Mechanistic Insights of MYB Transcription Factors in Mediating Plant Growth and Development, Secondary Metabolism, and Stress Responses

Abstract

Gene expression at transcriptional stage regulates several vital life processes. Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for guiding these cellular functions. MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) TF family possesses a broad spectrum of biological functions, involving growth and differentiation, metabolism, defence mechanisms, as well as reactions to environmental stressors. Additionally, MYB transcription factors are recognized for involvement in manufacture of plant secondary metabolites. MYB proteins’ functions are extensively regulated at translational level, comprising mechanisms such as ubiquitination, sumoylation, and phosphorylation. MYB TFs’ vital role in controlling plant development is due to their capacity of precisely binding with cis-elements located in promoter domain of eukaryote targeted genes, influencing gene expression. This review delves into the evolution and critical roles of MYB proteins under various environmental stress conditions. Furthermore, it examines how these proteins control downstream target gene networks in response to abiotic stressors. It investigates the probable mechanisms that control MYB protein regulation at multiple stages, including transcription, post-transcriptional processes, and protein levels. It also investigates how these proteins control downstream targeted gene cascades during responses to environmental stresses in developing stress-resilient crops. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.