Open Access

REVIEW

Beyond Photomorphogenesis: Multifaceted Roles of BBX Transcription Factors in Plant Stress Responses and Breeding Perspectives

Qinfu Sun, Junqiang Xing, Wanyu Zhang, Chen Lin^*

Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China

* Corresponding Author: Chen Lin. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses and Adaptations to Environmental Stresses)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(11), 3349-3370. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.071525

Received 06 August 2025; Accepted 21 October 2025; Issue published 01 December 2025

Abstract

Extensive transcriptomic reprogramming is triggered by biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, with coordinated regulation mediated through multiple transcription factor families, such as WRKY, MYB, NAC, and BBX proteins. Among these, B-box (BBX) proteins represent a distinct class of zinc finger transcription factors characterized by the presence of conserved B-box domains. They serve as central regulators in plant photomorphogenesis and developmental processes. Accumulating genetic and biochemical evidence demonstrates that BBX family members orchestrate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses through multifaceted molecular mechanisms, including the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, enhancement of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and modulation of hormonal signaling pathways. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the identification of BBX family genes in different plant species. Furthermore, their emerging roles in mediating plant stress responses are elucidated, with molecular mechanisms being comprehensively analyzed at both transcriptional and post-translational levels. However, to fully harness the potential of BBX genes in crop improvement, a deeper understanding of their functional mechanisms including BBX-mediated hormonal crosstalk networks, growth–defense trade-offs, and more extensive field performance data remains essential. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for developing climate-resilient crop varieties through targeted genetic improvement strategies.

---

Keywords

---