The plant heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family: Structure, function and evolution

Ten years after the first overview of a complete plant Hsf family was presented for Arabidopsis thaliana by Nover et al. [1], we compiled data for 252 Hsfs from nine plant species (five eudicots and four monocots) with complete or almost complete genome sequences. The new data set provides interesting insights into phylogenetic relationships within the Hsf family in plants and allows the refinement of their classification into distinct groups. Numerous publications over the last decade document the diversification and functional interaction of Hsfs as well as their integration into the complex stress signaling and response networks of plants. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant gene regulation in response to abiotic stress.

► Current knowledge of multiplicity, structure and function of the plant Hsf family. ► Structure and phylogenetic relationship compiled for 250 Hsfs from 9 species. ► Diversification and specific Hsf interactions are major aspects of Hsf function. ► Hsf activity, localization and stability are specifically regulated by chaperones. ► Hsfs linked to signaling and response networks of abiotic stress and development.