Abstract: The molecular mechanisms of DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors in crop response to stress such as extreme temperature, drought and salt stress, and their important roles in agronomic trait improvement were analyzed. Combined with the effects of different abiotic stresses on plant growth and development, the signal sensing mode and signal transduction pathway of Dof transcription factors in crop response to stress were introduced. The regulation mechanism of Dof transcription factors and the action mode of stress tolerance and important secondary metabolites (RFOs, etc.) during the regulation of gene expression were analyzed. Moreover, from the perspective of multi-signal network regulation mechanism and the demand of global climate change for sustainable and high-quality crop production, the prospects and directions of further research and utilization of Dof transcription factors in crop bio-breeding were prospected.

Key words: bio-breeding, Dof transcription factors, transcriptional regulation, abiotic stress, agronomic trait