Post-translational regulation of plant bZIP factors

The post-translational regulation of transcription factors plays an important role in the control of gene expression in eukaryotes. The mechanisms of regulation include not only factor modifications but also regulated protein–protein interaction, protein degradation and intracellular partitioning. In plants, the basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors contribute to many transcriptional response pathways. Despite this, little is known about their post-translational regulation. Recent findings suggest that plant bZIP factors are under the control of various partially signal-induced and reversible post-translational mechanisms that are crucial for the control of their function. However, the fact that, to date, only a few plant bZIPs have been analyzed with respect to post-translational regulation indicates that we have just identified the tip of an iceberg.