Transcription Factors and Their Regulatory Role in Plant Defence Response

Plant diseases critically affect the growth and productivity with an eventual impact on global economy, food safety, and security. The regulation of gene expression is a decisive factor that orchestrates the plant defence responses. Indeed, the intricate network of gene regulation is a key that imparts the adaptive plasticity of plants in altered environ and against different pathogens; however, it is mainly achieved by enforcement of a network of various transcription factors. Several genetic studies documented the role of different transcription factors as positive and negative regulators in diverse plant biological functions including biotic stress and plant defence responses. They play detrimental function in regulating critical processes such as innate and/or basal immune systems of plants, as well as defensive mechanisms against pathogens. This book chapter focuses on several TF families that have been chosen for their diversity, significance, and availability of members that have been functionally imperative in response to pathogen attack. The chapter provides a systematic evaluation of these functionally defined TFs. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the intricate and coordinated interactions between different TFs and phytohormones involved in modulating various aspects of plant defense responses. Understanding these regulatory networks associated with pathogen infection and plant defense is crucial for gaining new insights and identifying future research directions. Moreover, targeting transcription factors themselves holds promise for disease control strategies. Overall, this book chapter aims to provide comprehensive insights into the regulatory networks governing pathogen infection and plant defense, with a specific focus on transcription factors. By unravelling the intricate interactions and functions of TFs, it opens avenues for developing novel approaches to combat plant diseases.