Function of KNOX Homeodomain Proteins in Plant Development

Abstract

KNOX homeodomain proteins are encoded by knotted1-like homeobox (knox) genes that constitute a gene family in plants. Similar to the animal homeodomain proteins, KNOX proteins are considered to be key transcriptional regulators that control the expression of genes involved in plant organogenesis at the shoot apical meristem. Therefore, in order to understand the developmental processes in plants, it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying KNOX protein regulation of gene expression. In this review, we discuss the structural features of KNOX proteins and the mechanisms by which they interact with and regulate target gene expression.