The interaction between MYB proteins and their target DNA binding sites

Members of the MYB family of transcription factors are found in all eukaryotic lineages, where they function to regulate either fundamental cellular processes, or specific facets of metabolism or cellular differentiation. MYB transcription factors regulate these processes through modulation of transcription at target genes, to which they bind in a sequence-specific manner. Over the past decades, insights have been gained into the molecular interactions between MYB proteins and their cognate DNA targets. This review focuses on those insights, the emergence of common themes in DNA binding by diverse MYB family members. The review also considers gaps in the current knowledge of MYB–DNA interactions, particularly for plant MYB proteins, and how emerging techniques that examine protein–DNA interactions can fill these gaps.

► MYB transcription factors play a role in regulating diverse transcriptional events in eukaryotes.
► Much is known about the DNA-binding specificity of R1R2R3-MYB proteins from animals.
► Despite their importance in plants, there is limited information about the DNA-binding specificities of the diverse plant R2R3-MYB proteins.
► New methods will expand the characterisation of MYB-DNA interactions, filling gaps in knowledge about these important transcription factors.