Beyond YABBYs: a Focus on Versatility and Interactivity

Abstract

The YABBY gene family encodes small plant-specific transcription factors. The first function described for these genes was their role in the establishment and equilibrium of the adaxial-abaxial axes in lateral organs of angiosperms, which includes leaves and leaf-derived organs, such as sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels, and specific floral organs such as ovule integuments and nectaries. From these discoveries, more studies investigating the participation of YABBY genes in other mechanisms of development and in maintenance of the life cycle of plants began to arise. The roles of YABBY genes in hormone biosynthesis and in the production of secondary metabolites were brought to light in addition to their contribution to the evolutionary history of the leaf blade and floral organs. The proteins of the YABBY family directly regulate the transcription of target genes or they are involved with protein-protein interactions that modulate the functions of other proteins. This review will approach some of the various functions performed by the YABBY family members, focusing on how diverse are the molecular pathways these transcription factors interact with. The wide range of these different interactions is an important aspect that directly contributes to the versatility of this family of transcription factors.