Indeterminate Domain Gene Regulation in Plant Development
Summary
The INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) gene family comprises plant-specific transcription factors characterised by a conserved domain containing four zinc finger motifs. These factors bind cis-regulatory elements to orchestrate key developmental programmes including phase transitions, organ morphogenesis, hormone signalling and environmental responses. IDD proteins have been shown to modulate spatial auxin biosynthesis and transport, floral induction pathways and secondary metabolite networks. Their functions extend to stress adaptation and yield stability under abiotic challenges, highlighting global significance for crop resilience. Integrative studies across model and crop species continue to reveal how IDD-mediated regulation can be harnessed to optimise architecture, reproduction and stress tolerance in agricultural systems.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent work in tomato has delivered the first comprehensive functional atlas of IDD transcription factors in a Solanaceous crop. Twenty-four SlIDD genes were identified, each encoding two C2H2-type and two C2HC-type zinc finger domains within the IDD region. Expression profiling across tissues and stress treatments demonstrated that subsets of SlIDDs respond to specific abiotic cues or operate in universal developmental programmes. Co-expression analyses suggested partnerships with other regulatory proteins to coordinate water transport, reproductive organ formation and UV or temperature stress responses. This resource sets the stage for targeted manipulation of IDD networks in crop improvement.
Indeterminate Domain Gene Regulation in Plant Development publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in indeterminate domain gene regulation in plant development across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Indeterminate Domain (IDD): A conserved plant-specific transcription factor domain containing four zinc finger motifs.
Zinc finger motif: A structural element formed by conserved cysteine and histidine residues that enables DNA binding.
Transcription factor: A protein that recognises specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression.
Cis-element: A short DNA sequence in a promoter region bound by transcription factors.
Phosphorylation: The reversible attachment of a phosphate group to a protein, modulating its function.
MPK6: Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6, an enzyme that phosphorylates target proteins in response to environmental signals.
References
- Functional characterization of plant specific Indeterminate Domain (IDD) transcription factors in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Scientific Reports (2024).
- Comprehensive Analysis of the INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) Gene Family and Their Response to Abiotic Stress in Zea mays. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Salinity stress-induced phosphorylation of INDETERMINATE-DOMAIN 4 (IDD4) by MPK6 regulates plant growth adaptation in Arabidopsis. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
- INDETERMINATE DOMAIN Transcription Factors in Crops: Plant Architecture, Disease Resistance, Stress Response, Flowering, and More. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
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