He Ying, Li Ruiqi, Li Dike, Fan Xingyi, Chen Xiaoyuan, Zhuang Chuxiong, Li Jing
State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China.
Plants (Basel). 2025 Aug 27;14(17):2673. doi: 10.3390/plants14172673.
The AP2/ERF transcription factor family plays a vital role in regulating rice growth and development. Recent years have seen notable progress in understanding the functions of AP2/ERF transcription factors in rice. Studies indicate that these factors not only control the differentiation of rice inflorescence meristems but also participate in developing organs such as roots, stems, and leaves. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of AP2/ERF transcription factors, their interactions with other proteins, and how they precisely regulate the expression of particular genes still require further research. This paper systematically reviews recent advances in the functional studies of AP2/ERF transcription factors in rice growth and development, focusing on their roles in inflorescence development, grain formation, and the development of roots, stems, and leaves. It also discusses their potential applications in molecular breeding. By compiling recent research findings, this review aims to provide both theoretical insights and practical guidance for a better understanding of the regulatory networks involving AP2/ERF transcription factors and their use in rice genetic improvement.
AP2/ERF转录因子家族在调控水稻生长发育过程中发挥着至关重要的作用。近年来，在了解AP2/ERF转录因子在水稻中的功能方面取得了显著进展。研究表明，这些因子不仅控制水稻花序分生组织的分化，还参与根、茎、叶等器官的发育。然而，AP2/ERF转录因子的具体分子机制、它们与其他蛋白质的相互作用以及它们如何精确调控特定基因的表达仍需进一步研究。本文系统综述了AP2/ERF转录因子在水稻生长发育功能研究方面的最新进展，重点关注它们在花序发育、籽粒形成以及根、茎、叶发育中的作用。同时还讨论了它们在分子育种中的潜在应用。通过汇编近期的研究成果，本综述旨在为更好地理解涉及AP2/ERF转录因子的调控网络及其在水稻遗传改良中的应用提供理论见解和实践指导。
