Plant Novel Transcription Factors and Their Roles in Gene Regulation

Transcription factors (TFs) are critical regulators of gene expression, playing key roles in 1 various biological processes such as growth, development, and stress responses in plants. While many TF families like MYB, bZIP, and WRKY have been identified and extensively studied in model plants, a substantial number of novel TFs remain uncharacterized, particularly in non-model and economically significant plant species. The discovery of these novel TFs offers a promising avenue for advancing our understanding of plant biology and improving crop traits. Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing, genomics, and bioinformatics have facilitated the identification of previously overlooked or newly evolved TFs, expanding the repertoire of known plant transcriptional regulators. This review highlights the emergence of novel TF families and their functional roles in regulating plant growth, adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses, and metabolic pathways. We examine the molecular mechanisms by which these TFs govern gene expression, their interactions with other signaling pathways, and their potential applications in crop improvement. In addition, we explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the functional characterization and validation of novel TFs, as well as the technologies that are enabling these discoveries. Special attention is given to the potential of novel TFs to enhance stress tolerance, disease resistance, and overall productivity in crops, with a focus on their integration into biotechnological approaches, such as genome editing and transgenic crop development. The review concludes by outlining future research directions and the potential impact of novel TFs in addressing global agricultural challenges, including climate change, food security, and sustainability.