[Transcription factors in resistance against pathogen Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis]

A large number of defense genes are activated in plants when responding to pathogen infection. Furthermore, transcription factors are suggested to play important roles in regulating huge defense network in plants. The necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive pathogens which could result in massive economic losses in the agriculture. Our review summarized the study results of members from transcription factor ERF, WRKY and MYB families which function in resistance of Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana. The transcription factors come into more elaborate regulation network through interacting with target genes at mRNA or protein levels aiming at activating expression of defense genes which lead to resistance against the fungus. Some transcriptional factors were discovered to be the main nodes and regulators in different phytohormones crosstalk, illustrating and connecting the molecular mechanisms of plants against different types of pathogens. Study on the transcription factor mentioned above, provides us clues for the study of other plant pathogen defense mechanism. Further understanding of disease mechanisms will help researchers to utilize the resis-tance genes in crop improvement and protection practice.