Contemporary understanding of transcription factor regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis in plants

Key message This review summarized how TFs function independently or in response to environmental factors to regulate terpenoid biosynthesis via fine-tuning the expression of rate-limiting enzymes. Terpenoids are derived from various species and sources. They are essential for interacting with the environment and defense mechanisms, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Almost all terpenoids have high medicinal value and economic performance. Recently, the control of enzyme genes on terpenoid biosynthesis has received a great deal of attention, but transcriptional factors regulatory network on terpenoid biosynthesis and accumulation has yet to get a thorough review. Transcription factors function as activators or suppressors independently or in response to environmental stimuli, fine-tuning terpenoid accumulation through regulating rate-limiting enzyme expression. This study investigates the advancements in transcription factors related to terpenoid biosynthesis and systematically summarizes previous works on the specific mechanisms of transcription factors that regulate terpenoid biosynthesis via hormone signal–transcription regulatory networks in plants. This will help us to better comprehend the regulatory network of terpenoid biosynthesis and build the groundwork for terpenoid development and effective utilization.