Chapter 1 - Role of DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors for abiotic stress tolerance in plants

Abstract

DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors (TFs) constitute a major family of plant-specific transcription factors. These TFs carried a conserved Dof DNA-binding domain that displays characteristic zinc finger-like DNA-binding properties among members of this family. Dof TFs play important roles in plant growth and development. Moreover, their role in plants has been extensively studied by focusing the biotic stresses rather than abiotic stresses with functional characterization of many Dof TFs in both model plants such as Arabidopsis and Brachypodium and some crop plants like maize and rice. Furthermore, Dof TFs are also involved in the modulation of yield and quality-related parameters. In this chapter, we will thoroughly discuss the functions of Dof TFs for abiotic stress regulation in plants. Recent advancements in the genomic approaches and rapid generation of large-scale genomic data have greatly increased the capacity to explore new candidate genes against abiotic stresses. Therefore, identification of putative abiotic stress-responsive Dof genes in major crops will be an imperative resource for the development of new breeding programs to accelerate crop improvement against abiotic stresses.