Another story of MADS-Box genes - their potential in plant biotechnology

MADS-box genes encode a family of transcription factors, which control developmental processes in flowering plants ranging from flower to root development. During the last few years increasing evidence point to more general roles of these factors not only in the control of flowering time, but also in other reproductive processes. However, they are also expressed in roots, stems and leaves. These results suggest that their function may be much more diverse than those involved in flowering, and the possibility of uncovering new roles for MADS-box genes in plant development. Here, we specifically explore the role of the STMADS subfamily in development of vegetative structures. This subfamily continues to grow, providing new insight into the vegetative development of other plant species and how it is distinct from the one in Arabidopsis is investigated.