Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Polysome Profiling Protocol for Studying Translational Regulation in Arabidopsis Under Heat Stress
Published on: October 11, 2024
Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors involved in abiotic stresses: A molecular model of a wheat bZIP
Pradeep Sornaraj1, Sukanya Luang1, Sergiy Lopato1
1Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia.
Background:
Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) genes encode transcription factors (TFs) that control important biochemical and physiological processes in plants and all other eukaryotic organisms.
Scope Of Review:
Here we present (i) the homo-dimeric structural model of bZIP consisting of basic leucine zipper and DNA binding regions, in complex with the synthetic Abscisic Acid-Responsive Element (ABREsyn); (ii) discuss homo- and hetero-dimerisation patterns of bZIP TFs; (iii) summarise the current progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of function of bZIP TFs, including features determining the specificity of their binding to DNA cis-elements, and (iv) review information on interaction partners of bZIPs during plant development and stress response, as well as on types and roles of post-translational modifications, and regulatory aspects of protein-degradation mediated turn-over. Finally, we (v) recapitulate on the recent advances regarding functional roles of bZIP factors in major agricultural crops, and discuss the potential significance of bZIP-based genetic engineering in improving crop yield and tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Major Conclusions:
An accurate analysis and understanding of roles of plant bZIP TFs in different biological processes requires the knowledge of interacting partners, time and location of expression in plant organs, and the information on mechanisms of homo- and hetero-dimerisation of bZIP TFs.
General Significance:
Studies on molecular mechanisms of plant bZIP TFs at the atomic levels will provide novel insights into the regulatory processes during plant development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
Transcription
Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA sequence by RNA polymerase. It is the first step in producing a protein from a gene sequence. Additionally, many other proteins and regulatory sequences are involved in the proper synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). Regulation of transcription is responsible for the differentiation of all the different types of cells and often for the proper cellular response to environmental signals.
Transcription Can Produce Different Kinds...
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Responses to Salt Stress

