Hong Jiayi, Feng Xiaofeng, Cai Yongping, Manzoor Muhammad Aamir, Cao Yunpeng
School of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China.
Department of Plant Sciences, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Minhang, Shanghai 200240, China.
Funct Plant Biol. 2025 Mar;52. doi: 10.1071/FP25010.
The nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor, also known as heme-activator protein (HAP) or CCAAT-binding factor (CBF), is a critical transcription factor widely present in eukaryotes. The number of NF-Y subunits has significantly increased in higher plants compared to animals and fungi. The NF-Y complex is composed of three subunits: (1) NF-YA; (2) NF-YB; and (3) NF-YC. NF-YB and NF-YC contain histone fold domains (HFDs), which can interact with NF-YA or other transcription factors, or directly bind to the promoter CCAAT box to regulate the transcription of downstream genes. NF-Y plays a significant role in various plant processes, including growth and development. This review elucidates the structural and functional aspects of NF-Y subunits, identified NF-Y complexes, and their molecular regulatory mechanisms. Understanding these facets of NF-Y provides valuable insights into advancing crop genetic improvement and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
核因子-Y（NF-Y）转录因子，也被称为血红素激活蛋白（HAP）或CCAAT结合因子（CBF），是一种广泛存在于真核生物中的关键转录因子。与动物和真菌相比，高等植物中NF-Y亚基的数量显著增加。NF-Y复合体由三个亚基组成：（1）NF-YA；（2）NF-YB；以及（3）NF-YC。NF-YB和NF-YC含有组蛋白折叠结构域（HFDs），它们可以与NF-YA或其他转录因子相互作用，或直接结合到启动子CCAAT框上以调节下游基因的转录。NF-Y在包括生长和发育在内的各种植物过程中发挥着重要作用。本综述阐明了NF-Y亚基的结构和功能方面、已鉴定的NF-Y复合体及其分子调控机制。了解NF-Y的这些方面为推进作物遗传改良和促进可持续农业实践提供了宝贵的见解。
