Rice PIFs: Critical regulators in rice development and stress response

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) belong to a subfamily of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors, which serve as a "hub" for development and growth of plants. They have the capability to regulate the expression of many downstream genes, integrate multiple signaling pathways, and act as a signaling center within the cell. In rice (Oryza sativa), the PIF family genes, known as OsPILs, play a crucial part in many different aspects. OsPILs play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of photomorphogenesis, skotomorphogenesis, plant growth, and development in rice. These vital processes include chlorophyll synthesis, plant gravitropism, plant height, flowering, and response to abiotic stress factors such as low temperature, drought, and high salt. Additionally, OsPILs are involved in controlling several important agronomic traits in rice. Some OsPILs members coordinate with each other to function. This review summarizes and prospects the latest research progress on the biological functions of OsPILs transcription factors and provides a reference for further exploring the functions and mechanism of OsPILs.