MYB transcription factors coordinate plant growth, metabolism and environmental adaptation

The MYB transcription factors family constitutes one of the largest and most functionally diversified regulatory gene families in plants. Beyond their established roles in growth and development, MYB TFs function as central integrators of metabolic reprogramming and environmental adaptation by coordinating developmental processes, secondary metabolism, hormone signaling, and stress-responsive pathways. Despite substantial progress in elucidating the functions of individual MYB members, a systematic synthesis linking their structural diversification, evolutionary expansion, and functional specialization-particularly regarding horticultural crops and comparative regulatory mechanisms across plant species, remains limited. Here, we comprehensively summarize the structural organization, phylogenetic classification, and regulatory versatility of plant MYB transcription factors. Special emphasis is placed on their integrative roles in morphological development, secondary metabolism, stress adaptation, and hormone-mediated signaling networks. By consolidating recent advances and highlighting cross-regulatory interactions, this review establishes a conceptual framework for understanding how MYB transcription factors coordinate growth and stress, metabolic plasticity, and quality trait formation. Finally, we discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for exploiting MYB regulatory networks in precision breeding and molecular engineering, providing a theoretical basis for developing climate-resilient, high-quality crop varieties.