Thinking outside the F-box: how UFO controls angiosperm development

The formation of inflorescences and flowers is essential for the successful reproduction of angiosperms. In the past few decades, genetic studies have identified the LEAFY transcription factor and the UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) F-box protein as two major regulators of flower development in a broad range of angiosperm species. Recent research has revealed that UFO acts as a transcriptional cofactor, redirecting the LEAFY floral regulator to novel cis-elements. In this review, we summarize the various roles of UFO across species, analyze past results in light of new discoveries and highlight the key questions that remain to be solved.

Automated summary

The LEAFY transcription factor and the UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) F-box protein are important regulators of flower development in angiosperms. Recent research has shown that UFO acts as a transcriptional cofactor, redirecting the LEAFY floral regulator to novel cis-elements. This review summarizes the roles of UFO in different species, analyzes past results in light of new discoveries, and highlights the remaining key questions.