Transcriptional regulation of functional genes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis by MYB family transcriptional factors in plants

MYB transcription factor family is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom, specifically characterized by a Helix-turn-helix domain in their structural configuration with two repeats of R2R3 MYB domain and are known for regulating plant stress tolerance (abiotic and biotic) through ABA dependent signaling systems. R2R3MYB family transcription factors plays a role in the regulation of specific downstream genes of Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis like KCS1, KCS2, KCS6 and KCR1, related to water use efficiency traits like cuticular wax biosynthesis. Analysis of R2R3MYB family transcription factors regulating the production of cuticular wax emphasizes the value of the family outside of traditionally accepted roles in stress tolerance. Some MYB transcription factors like MYB96, MYB94, MYB41, MYB30, MYB106 and MYB16 isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) are studied with respect to their role in biosynthesis of cuticular waxes under environmental stress signals. In the present review we intensely focused on the elucidation of R2R3MYB family transcription factors MYB96, MYB94, MYB41, MYB30, MYB106 and MYB16 role in cuticular wax biosynthesis and aid in the development of transgenics for enhanced stress tolerance. Keywords— MYB transcription factors, cuticular wax biosynthesis, Very Long Chain Fatty Acids, KCS1 and MYB 96.