Twenty years of AT-HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALIZED (AHL) gene family research – Their potential in crop improvement

The AT-HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALIZED (AHL) gene family encodes transcriptional regulators that are able to bind to AT-rich DNA regions, remodel chromatin architecture and mediate epigenetic and transcriptional target gene expression. They play critical roles in plant development such as regulation of organ morphogenesis, meristem activity, flowering timing or hypocotyl elongation. Moreover, AHLs are involved in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses such as drought, salinity and pathogen resistance through the stress responsive gene networks and hormone signalling. Their multilevel effect on gene expression and pleiotropic response position AHLs as key integrators of developmental and environmental cues. Recent experimental results have indicated potential agricultural applications of AHLs, including enhancing crop resilience to climate change-induced stresses and optimizing growth traits. Harnessing the functional diversity of AHLs could offer innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture, with targeted manipulation of these genes promising improved yield, stress tolerance, and adaptability in various crop species.