THE ROLE OF DREB TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS IN ABIOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE OF PLANTS

DREBs belong to the ethylene response factor (ERF) family of transcription factors that bind to the DRE/CRT element in the promoter regions of a large number of genes involved in biotic and abiotic stress signaling in plants. In the recent past, there has been substantial progress towards understanding the regulatory role of DREBs in abiotic stress responses of crop plants. Following isolation from various plant species, DREB genes have been introduced into a number of transgenic plants, which showed tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Despite the initial success of achieving abiotic stress tolerance with DREBs, there are several issues that need further research to ensure increased plant growth and yield under abiotic stress conditions. This review focuses on the current status of research on DREB transcription factors, their role in abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic plants, and challenges confronting deployment of these plants. Biotechnol. & Biotechnol. Eq. 2011, 25(3), 2433-2442