WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors: key regulators in combating abiotic stresses in plants

Abstract

AbstractThe WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors (TFs) belong to the homeodomain (HD) family. WOX TFs are involved in various regulatory pathways related to plant growth and development. In addition to their recognized role in various development processes, many reports suggest that they play a key role in abiotic stress perception in plants. However, their underlying molecular mechanisms have rarely been studied in horticultural crops. WOXs govern the transcription of the target genes through specific binding to the cis-regulatory elements present in their promoters. Additionally, they associate with other factors to form a specific pathway regulating numerous abiotic stress responses. Here, we review the recent advances in the multifaceted functions of WOXs in the complex, developmental, and abiotic stress-sensing networks, with particular emphasis on regulating the related genes and other TFs. In addition, we suggest that WOXs are essential components of the gene regulatory networks involved in the response of plants to abiotic stress tolerance and aim to provide a reference for future research.