Deciphering and modifying LAFL transcriptional regulatory network in seed for improving yield and quality of storage compounds

• LAFL transcription factors control seed maturation in Arabidopsis.
• LAFL act in concert with other regulators to control seed specific gene expression.
• LAFL expression is repressed by epigenetic mechanisms in vegetative tissues.
• LAFL orthologs have been found in all angiosperms including major crops.
• LAFL and their partners can be used for modifying seed quality.

Increasing yield and quality of seed storage compounds in a sustainable way is a key challenge for our societies. Genome-wide analyses conducted in both monocot and dicot angiosperms emphasized drastic transcriptional switches that occur during seed development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a reference species, genetic and molecular analyses have demonstrated the key role of LAFL (LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, and LEC2) transcription factors (TFs), in controlling gene expression programs essential to accomplish seed maturation and the accumulation of storage compounds. Here, we summarize recent progress obtained in the characterization of these LAFL proteins, their regulation, partners and target genes. Moreover, we illustrate how these evolutionary conserved TFs can be used to engineer new crops with altered seed compositions and point out the current limitations. Last, we discuss about the interest of investigating further the environmental and epigenetic regulation of this network for the coming years.