The Function of Like Heterochromatin Protein 1 (LHP1) as an Epigenetic Regulator of Plant Development

Plants have the fascinating ability to regulate their genetic expression through epigenetic mechanisms. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins in Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC1 and PRC2) especially regulate cellular and developmental processes in eukaryotes through epigenetic mechanisms. Arabidopsis thaliana has a fascinating name, LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1), called TERMINAL FLOWER 2 (TFL2). This protein was initially recognized as the plant equivalent of animal HP1 due to the presence of a chromo domain and a chromo shadow domain. It can bind to the trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) mark spread throughout the genome and regulate gene expression. This is crucial for the plant PcG system, which PRC2 establishes for epigenetic control. Although LHP1 has been found to perform diverse functions, it is still unclear whether these functions are carried out through similar mechanisms and whether it regulates the same target genes. This highlights the need for further research on LHP1 to better understand its mechanisms and functions. The following review provides detailed information about LHP1, which is closely linked to histone marks and the regulation of gene expression and explores how LHP1 influences flower timing and root development to improve crop traits. Recent progress in tomato and soybean production highlights the crucial role of LHP1 in shaping crop characteristics. The review suggests that LHP1 may control H3K27me3 in different plant species by regulating specific genes through epigenetic mechanisms. In summary, it emphasizes the importance of understanding LHP1’s role in plant development for breeding purposes.