Auxin response factor (ARF) and its functions in plant growth and development

Abstract

This paper reviews the identification, molecular structure, signal transduction mechanism, temporal and spatial expression patterns of auxin response factor (ARF) gene family, based on the latest research in several model plants, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, grain crops, woody plants, and so forth. ARFs of these species are also compared, analyzed and summarized to explore the common characteristics and differences of ARF families, which could provide references for discovering the regulatory mechanisms of ARF in plant growth and development. It was found that the changes in light signal, growth hormone, environmental conditions, microRNA and trans-acting small interfering RNA (ta-siRNA) in ARF signal transduction affected the endogenous responses of plants, thus regulating the plant growth and development. Finally, we discuss the existing problems in the research on plant ARF, and prospects for future research.