Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 175-183 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 175 CaseStudy Open Access Identification of Key Transcription Factors Involved in Root Architecture of Barley Zhengqi Ma, Wei Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: wei.wang@jicat.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.4 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0019 Received: 17 Jun., 2025 Accepted: 30 Jul., 2025 Published: 17 Aug., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Ma and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Ma Z.Q., and Wang W., 2025, Identification of key transcription factors involved in root architecture of barley, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 16(4): 175-183 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0019) Abstract Root structure plays a key role in the growth, development, nutrient absorption and stress resistance of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In recent years, transcriptomics and functional genomics studies have found that transcription factors are important molecules that regulate the formation and remodeling of root system architecture (RSA), affecting its development by regulating the gene expression network in the process of root initiation, elongation and branching. This study reviewed the main transcription factor families closely related to barley root development, such as NAC, MYB, WRKY and bHLH, and combined with the results of transcriptional expression analysis and functional verification, in-depth discussion of their role in regulating root morphology, and selected representative key transcription factors such as HvNAC005, HvWRKY23 and HvMYB1 as cases to explain their regulatory mechanisms on root development under salt stress, disease stress and phosphorus deficiency. This study hopes to provide theoretical support for the analysis of the molecular regulatory network of barley root traits and provide potential targets for breeding efficient and stress-resistant barley varieties. Keywords Barley; Root system architecture; Transcription factor; Gene regulation; Stress response 1 Introduction Whether barley can absorb enough water and nutrients depends mainly on its root structure. How well the roots grow directly affects how they grow, whether they can withstand adverse environments, and how much grain they can produce in the end. Recent studies have found that different barley varieties vary greatly in root characteristics, such as how deep the roots are, how far they extend, and how long they are. Some roots grow deep and efficiently, which can better absorb water and nutrients, especially when the environment is more difficult, and can significantly increase yields (Robinson et al., 2018; Jia et al., 2019). Scientists have made a lot of progress in studying how cereal roots grow and the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind them. Some key transcription factors, such as those of the MADS-box family, and a regulatory factor called VERRNALIZATION1 (VRN1), have been found to affect not only the structure of roots and stems, but also the timing of flowering, and there may be a relationship between the two (Voss-Fels et al., 2018; Abdel-Ghani et al., 2019; Kirschner et al., 2021). In addition, through whole-genome association analysis and transcriptome research, a number of QTLs and candidate genes related to root growth, gravity response, and response to environmental stress have been found. This information will be very helpful for future breeding work (Ogrodowicz et al., 2023; Nguyen et al., 2024). This study will combine the latest advances in genetic mapping, functional genomics, and transcriptome analysis to identify and characterize key transcription factors that affect barley root structure and elucidate the regulatory network that shapes root traits. Improved root structure helps improve resource efficiency and adapt to climate change. This study hopes to provide a reference for breeding strategies for cultivating barley varieties with optimized root systems, yield, and stress resistance. 2 Root Architecture Traits in Barley 2.1 Types of roots: primary, lateral, adventitious The root system of barley is not a single structure, but is composed of several roots. The first to grow is the
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