Plants respond to abiotic stress by transducing environmental signals into internal responses through phytohormones and secondary messengers, which subsequently initiate the activation of TFs. In a genome-wide analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Ginkgo biloba, Liu et al. [43] identified 45 MYB genes and characterized their conserved motifs. Expression profiling under various abiotic stresses, such as salinity, cold, and heat, and phytohormone treatments such as ABA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethephon (ET) revealed distinct tissue-specific and stress-responsive expression patterns [43]. These findings suggest that G. biloba MYBs play important roles in coordinating developmental processes and adaptive responses to environmental stresses. Additionally, phylogenetic comparisons with Arabidopsis MYBs revealed both evolutionary conservation and potential functional divergence, underscoring the complex regulatory roles of MYBs in Ginkgo [43].

MYB TFs regulate abiotic stress responses by modulating plant hormone metabolism, including those involving ABA, jasmonic acid (JA), brassinosteroids (BR), and SA [44–46]. MYB TFs may also regulate antioxidant enzyme activities. For example, Zhang et al. [47] observed that ZmMYB-CC10 enhances drought tolerance in maize by mitigating oxidative damage through the activation of ZmAPX4, a key enzyme that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), during drought stress. Similarly, Zhang et al. [48] identified ZmRL6 as a drought-inducible gene that regulates drought tolerance by reducing electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA), which are indicators of membrane damage. ZmRL6 also increases proline levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and regulates key drought-related genes such as ZmLAX3, ZmCYP71B3, and ZmMYB4 [48].

MYB TFs can regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis through microRNA (miRNA) interactions, particularly under extreme environmental conditions. Sumbur et al. [49] identified 137 R2R3-MYB genes in Ammopiptanthus nanus, a dryland shrub, and demonstrated that the miR858-AnaMYB87 module mediates anthocyanin accumulation under osmotic stress. Under salt stress conditions, in which ionic toxicity is characterized by increased Na⁺ and reduced K⁺ concentrations, MYB TFs can directly regulate key ion transporters, such as NHX, SOS1, and HKT, which are crucial for mitigating Na⁺ toxicity [50]. By enhancing the expression of these ion transporters, MYB TFs play a critical role in maintaining cellular ion homeostasis, which is essential for plant survival under stress. For example, AtMYB42 alleviates ion toxicity by directly activating the expression of SOS2, a central regulator of Na⁺/K⁺ balance in roots [51]. In addition to regulating ion transporters, MYB TFs can also reduce ionic stress through alternative mechanisms. For example, ARS1 promotes stomatal closure to reduce transpirational water loss, facilitating increased Na⁺ transport and accumulation in shoots [52].

Li et al. [53] investigated the combined regulatory role of BHLH TF, PIF4, and the R2R3-MYB TF, MYB75 (PAP1), in seed germination under high glucose stress. Their findings showed that elevated glucose levels inhibit germination via the ABA signaling pathway, with PIF4 mediating this inhibition by activating ABI5 expression. Notably, PIF4 was observed to physically interact with PAP1, a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further biochemical and physiological analyses revealed that PAP1 binds directly to the ABI5 promoter and represses its expression, thereby alleviating glucose-induced germination inhibition. The study concluded that PAP1 antagonizes PIF4 by competing for ABI5 regulation, ultimately promoting seed germination in the presence of high glucose stress. This study uncovers a previously unrecognized antagonistic interaction between PIF4 and PAP1 that fine-tunes ABI5 expression in response to glucose signaling.

Flavonoids and terpenoids are two chemically diverse families of secondary metabolites that are crucial in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Flavonoids, characterized by a C6–C3–C6 carbon skeleton, are divided into various groups: flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, dihydroflavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. MYB TFs have emerged as central regulators of both flavonoid and terpene biosynthesis, coordinating multiple branches of the flavonoid and polyphenol pathways. In Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit), overexpression of MYB10 and MYB110 elevated anthocyanin levels [54], while in Camellia sinensis (tea plant), CsMYB8 and CsMYB99 are involved in flavonoid biosynthesis that affects tea flavor and quality [55]. JrMYB44 from Juglans regia (walnut) modulates polyphenol biosynthesis [56], and CsMYB59 in C. sinensis is a transcriptional activator of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in tea plants, directly regulating CsPPO1, a key gene for black tea production [57].

Rather than functioning in isolated pathways, MYB TFs are involved in complex regulatory networks that coordinate multiple physiological processes simultaneously. A prominent example is their role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis, which contributes to pigmentation as well as to plant defense mechanisms under environmental stress. For example, Shi et al. [58] identified 102 R2R3-MYB genes in Solanum melongena (eggplant) and analyzed their expression under various abiotic stresses and hormone treatments. Notably, the overexpression of SmMYB75 led to a significant increase in anthocyanin and flavonoid accumulation, thereby improving the nutritional quality and potential stress resilience of eggplant fruits [58]. Similarly, in buckwheat, FeR2R3-MYB regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis by interacting with leucoanthocyanidin reductase and exhibits dynamic responsiveness to environmental signals such as light, drought, and cold [59]. In tobacco, NtMYB4a was identified as a dual-function TF, where its overexpression enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and abiotic stress tolerance, while knockout mutants exhibited reduced pigmentation and stress resistance [60].

MYB transcription factors achieve regulatory balance by activating promoters of stress-responsive genes, forming complexes with other TFs such as bHLH and WRKY, and integrating signals from hormonal pathways including ABA and JA. Many phenylpropanoid-related MYBs regulate downstream of ABA and JA, enabling context-dependent gene expression. However, not all MYB regulation is ABA-dependent. For example, Pardo-Hernandez et al. [61] showed that SlMYB50 and SlMYB86 regulate flavonoid production in tomato under combined salinity and heat stress even in ABA-deficient mutants, highlighting the existence of alternative regulatory mechanisms.

MYB TFs play a vital role in regulating plant growth and development by controlling gene expression involved in cell division, differentiation and organ formation. They influence key developmental processes, such as root and shoot growth, leaf and flower formation, and vascular tissue development. For example, 3R-MYBs are involved in controlling the cell cycle during mitosis by binding to mitosis-specific activator elements to facilitate cell cycle transitions [62]. However, despite their importance, the downstream targets of 3R-MYBs and the detailed molecular mechanisms by which they coordinate cell division and differentiation across various plant species remain insufficiently characterized. Conversely, Choi et al. [63] reported that five PgR2R3-MYBs in Panax ginseng were highly expressed in flower and leaf tissue compared to other tissues such as roots, suggesting that these MYB genes are directly involved in the growth and development of P. ginseng flowers and leaves.

Fruit ripening is a complex, tightly regulated process that determines harvest timing, fruit quality, and postharvest marketability. It involves a coordinated interplay of phytohormonal signaling, starch degradation, and cell wall remodeling. MYB TFs are crucial regulators throughout the ripening process by modulating hormone pathways and metabolic genes. For example, CsMYB77 contributes to delaying ripening in tomatoes and kumquats by modulating ABA and auxin signaling through the MYB77-SINAT4/PIN5-ABA/auxin regulatory pathway [64]. The breakdown of starch into soluble sugars is also critical for flavor development during ripening. In bananas, MaMYB3 and MaMYB16L are repressors of genes involved in starch degradation. Specifically, MaMYB3 inhibits the expression of MaGWD1 (glucan water dikinase), while MaMYB16L regulates MaDREB2, a dehydration-responsive element-binding TF [65,66]. These studies underscore the importance of MYB–hormone interactions in fruit maturation and quality standards. However, the dynamic cross-talk among different MYB TFs and hormone signaling pathways across diverse fruit crops remains insufficiently understood and requires further investigation.

In addition to their role in fruit ripening, MYB TFs, particularly the R2R3-MYB subfamily, are also involved in flower growth and development by regulating pigmentation, scent production, and floral organ morphology. Notable examples include six DlR2R3-MYB in Dimocarpus longan [67] and RhMYB17 in Rosa hybrida [68]. Additionally, MYBs notably contribute to vegetative growth through the control of stem elongation and lignification. In soybean, GmGAMYB promotes stem elongation via the gibberellin signaling pathway [69], while OsMPH1 in rice enhances plant height and grain yield by modulating internode development [70]. In pepper, silencing CaSLR1 results in stem lodging, reduced secondary wall thickness, and weaker mechanical strength, highlighting its role in maintaining structural integrity [71].

Regarding cell wall synthesis, MYB TFs are also upstream regulators of critical genes. For example, Zhang et al. [72] identified FfMYB13 in Flammulina filiformis as an upstream transcriptional regulator that activates four cell wall synthesis genes (FfKRE6, Ffgas1, FfHYD-1, and FfGFA1). They also suggest that FfMYB13 may help reduce tissue toughening by reducing oxidative damage through the activation of Ff-FeSOD1. Similarly, studies on AtMYB46 in Arabidopsis thaliana and RrMYB18 in Rosa rugosa show that both genes are induced by wounding and coordinate cell wall biosynthesis with cell cycle progression, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved mechanism linking stress response and growth [73]. These results indicate that the coordination of cell wall biosynthesis and cell cycle regulation by these MYBs is evolutionarily conserved, providing new insights into the connection between cell growth and cell cycle progression.

MYB TFs also play crucial roles in regulating structural adaptations under stress conditions, such as cuticle formation. The plant cuticle is a hydrophobic barrier that prevents water loss from aerial organs, particularly during drought. In Arabidopsis, MYB41 functions as a negative regulator of cutin biosynthesis by repressing genes, such as ATT1 and LACS2, whereas MYB30, MYB94, and MYB96 act as positive regulators of wax biosynthesis. Additionally, MYB16 and MYB106 contribute to the formation of cutin and wax formation [74]. MYB41, MYB94, and MYB96 are directly involved in drought response. MYB94 and MYB96 are activated under drought conditions and cooperatively enhance the expression of key wax biosynthetic genes, thereby reinforcing cuticular protection [74]. In contrast, MYB41 is induced by desiccation and ABA; however, its overexpression leads to abnormal cuticle development, reduced cell size, and increased leaf permeability, resulting in increased sensitivity to dehydration [75]. Although MYBs such as MYB41, MYB94, and MYB96 modulate wax biosynthesis, the balance between their positive and negative regulatory roles under varying environmental conditions remains insufficiently characterized.

MYB TFs interact with key hormonal pathways, such as ABA, GA, and MeJA, to regulate stress responses and developmental processes. MYB TFs exert their regulatory effects through a mechanism that involves the degradation of Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins. Under JA signaling, active JA-Ile complexes bind to the F-box protein COI-1 (Coronatine Insensitive-1), leading to the degradation of JAZ proteins. This degradation releases MYB TFs from repression, enabling them to activate target genes related to the plant’s defense and developmental responses [76]. JA is crucial for the regulation of defense responses and secondary metabolite accumulation. MYB TFs can modulate JA-induced pathways, influencing phenylpropanoid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. For example, in Glycyrrhiza uralensis, R2R3-MYB members were induced by MeJA, leading to increased flavonoid levels, which are important for plant protection and attractiveness to pollinators [77]. Wu et al. [78] explored the genome-wide identification of R2R3-MYB TFs in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii, focusing on puerarin biosynthesis and hormonal responses. Their study identified 209 PtR2R3-MYBs and established the regulatory connections between MYB TFs and structural genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway. They highlighted the responsiveness of specific MYB genes to MeJA and glutathione (GSH) treatments, further connecting hormonal signaling with secondary metabolite biosynthesis.

Several studies have highlighted the involvement of MYB TFs in hormonal signaling under abiotic stress. For example, Yao et al. [79] investigated the R2R3-MYB TF BnaMYB111L in rapeseed, revealing its role in ROS accumulation and hypersensitive-like cell death. The study demonstrated that BnaMYB111L activates target genes involved in ROS production, demonstrating its regulatory role in plant-pathogen interactions and abiotic stress through the ABA signaling pathway. ABA is a critical phytohormone involved in various plant processes and rapidly accumulates under environmental stress [80,81]. Stomatal opening and closing regulate gas and water exchange between plants and their environment, notably contributing to important attributes, such as drought tolerance [82]. Seo et al. [83] showed that the expression of the Arabidopsis gene AtMYB44 in soybean (Glycine max) improves drought and salt stress tolerance by positively regulating ABA signaling and inducing stomatal closure. Lim et al. [84] identified a MYB TF, CaDIM1 (Capsicum annuum 1), which is strongly upregulated in response to ABA and drought stress. Plants with silenced CaDIM1 exhibited reduced sensitivity to ABA, increased drought susceptibility, and decreased expression of stress-responsive genes.

MYB TFs may also interact with other hormonal pathways, such as gibberellins and jasmonates, to coordinate abiotic stress responses. For example, the MYB25 gene in Arabidopsis enhances salt stress tolerance by mediating ABA signaling [85]. MYB TFs are also integrated into complex signaling networks, forming novel interactions with proteins involved in multiple hormonal pathways to fine-tune plant responses to diverse stressors [86]. In potato, several StMYB genes are induced by ABA, GA, and IAA treatments [87]. Similarly, Liu et al. [88] revealed that a substantial number of HhMYBs in Hibiscus hamabo respond to ABA, SA, or MeJA, although their activation varies in timing and intensity depending on the specific hormonal stimulus.

A major unresolved question pertains to the specificity with which MYB TFs integrate signals from various hormonal pathways, including ABA, JA, and GA, to mediate distinct stress and developmental responses. Although many MYBs respond to multiple hormones, the mechanims influencing their pathway preference and the fine-tuning of their regulatory outputs under overlapping hormonal stimuli remain unclear. Additionally, the temporal and spatial dynamics of MYB-hormone interactions remain poorly understood. The timing, duration, and tissue-specific expression of hormone-induced MYB activity likely play essential roles in determining physiological outcomes; however, but these dynamics have yet to be systematically investigated.

The applications of MYBs in genetic engineering and molecular breeding highlight their potential to revolutionize agricultural practices. Their role in abiotic stress tolerance and secondary metabolite production is particularly important. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have been progressively used to understand the roles of MYB TFs in various critical biological processes in plants. Genomics, through whole genome sequencing and annotation, facilitates the identification and classification of MYB gene families across numerous plant species. For example, Wang et al. [89] identified 440 MYB genes in cotton, revealing their involvement in abiotic and biotic stress responses, which has implications for improving cotton productivity. Another study by Luo et al. [59] demonstrated that FeR2R3-MYB in Fagopyrum esculentum plays a dual role in anthocyanin biosynthesis and drought tolerance. Molecular analysis revealed that FeR2R3-MYB interacts with leucoanthocyanidin reductase to enhance pigment production while responding to environmental stimuli. This study shows the functional versatility of MYB TFs, particularly their ability to mediate both metabolic and stress-related pathways in minor grain crops.

Integrative transcriptomic approaches enable comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles across different developmental stages and under various abiotic stresses. These high-throughput datasets provide valuable insights into the dynamic regulation of MYB genes, presenting a powerful resource for elucidating their specific roles in abiotic stress responses and adaptive mechanisms. Functional characterization through plant transformation has become an essential subsequent step for validating transcriptome-based predictions. This approach enables researchers to experimentally confirm the regulatory roles of candidate MYB genes in mediating stress tolerance and developmental processes. For example, numerous studies have introduced specific MYB TFs into model plants, such as tobacco, to enhance abiotic stress resilience [90]. A notable example is the identification of MsMYB4 in alfalfa [91], in which transcriptomic profiling revealed its involvement in salinity tolerance by enhancing ROS scavenging via an ABA-dependent pathway. Subsequent functional assays demonstrated that MsMYB4 localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional activator, confirming its essential role in stress adaptation mechanisms. In addition to overexpression strategies, transcriptional repression techniques, such as RNA interference (RNAi), provide valuable tools for modulating MYB TF activity to achieve desirable phenotypic outcomes. RNAi can downregulate negative MYB regulators or fine-tune positive ones, thus enabling the engineering of crops with improved resilience to harsh environments. For example, Suprun et al. [92] employed RNAi to silence four MYB transcriptional repressors, SlMYBATV, SlMYB32, SlMYB76, and SlTRY in tomato plants. Silencing these repressors led to a significant upregulation of key anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, such as SlCHS1, SlCHS2, and SlANS, and resulted in enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in treated leaves. Collectively, integrative approaches combining transcriptomic profiling, transgenic expression, and gene silencing approaches contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of MYB TF function and provide potential approaches for engineering stress-resilient crops.

Proteomics has emerged as an effective tool for comprehensively analyzing protein structure, function, abundance, and interactions [93]. As proteins are the primary executors of most cellular activities, proteomics provides a notable advantage over other “omics” approaches by directly capturing the functional state of the cell [94]. Unlike genomics or transcriptomics, which measure potential outcomes, proteomics reveals real-time changes at the translational and post-translational levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems [95]. Proteomic analyses complement genomic and transcriptomic studies by providing insights into the protein levels, modifications, and interactions of MYB TFs. It enables direct assessment of MYB protein dynamics, including key regulatory post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, which influence protein stability, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activity. These analyses also facilitate the identification of MYB-interacting partners, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the role of MYBs within complex signaling and regulatory networks. For example, Wu et al. [78] characterized MYB-related proteins in A. thaliana, revealing their interactions with other key signaling molecules and confirming their involvement in critical plant regulatory pathways. Understanding MYB PTMs provides crucial insights into the regulation and activation of these proteins under specific stress conditions. For example, phosphorylation is a common PTM associated with TF regulation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (Fig. 3), a signaling pathway that governs plant responses to growth and abiotic stress [96]. Thus, proteomics approaches enhance our functional understanding of MYB TF as well as elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanisms plants employ to adapt to environmental challenges.

Metabolomics, which focuses on profiling small metabolites produced during metabolic reactions, provides critical insights into the functional consequences of MYB TF modulation on primary and secondary metabolism. By analyzing the shifts in metabolite profiles, researchers can better understand the influence of MYB TFs on complex traits, such as pigment production, flavor, and stress responses. When integrated with gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, this approach enables the targeted enhancement or suppression of specific secondary metabolites, providing an effective strategy for precision crop improvement. For example, Yang et al. [97] applied this method in tomatoes to edit three fruit color-related genes: PSY1, MYB12, and SRG1. Becasue fruit color is determined by the accumulation of carotenoids, flavonoids, and chlorophyll degradation, targeted editing of these genes enabled the creation of novel tomato cultivars with various fruit colors, including brown, pink, yellow, light yellow, pink-brown, yellow-green, and light green. Similarly, targeted mutagenesis improves plant resistance to biotic stresses. In soybeans (G. max), Zhang et al. [98] used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out the GmUGT gene involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, resulting in increased resistance to leaf-chewing insects. This study highlights how modifying secondary metabolite pathways can enhance both plant defense and crop resilience. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing is crucial for fine-tuning flavonoid biosynthesis in other crops. In grapevine (Vitis vinifera), Tu et al. [99] demonstrated that the knockout of the VvBZIP36 TF, a known repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis, led to a significant increase in anthocyanin accumulation, thereby enhancing berry pigmentation. Collectively, metabolomics and gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 provide synergistic strategies to unravel and manipulate MYB TF-regulated metabolic networks, ultimately providing new opportunities for crop improvement and functional genomics research.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across prominent scientific databases, including Scopus (https://www.scopus.com/, accessed on 13 July 2025) and Web of Science (https://www.webofscience.com/, accessed on 13 July 2025). These were selected for their extensive coverage of biological and plant molecular research. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [112] to ensure a transparent and systematic article selection process. The review focused on peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 to capture the latest advancements in MYB TF research while selectively including foundational studies predating this period for their notable contributions to the field.

A Boolean search strategy was employed using the following keywords:

(“MYB TFs” OR “MYB proteins”) AND (“plant stress response” OR “secondary metabolism” OR “developmental regulation”) AND (“functional diversity” OR “regulatory networks”) AND (“comparative analysis” OR “genomic studies”). [Search as of November 2024].

This approach ensured the inclusion of diverse studies addressing the multifaceted roles of MYB TFs across various plant species and conditions. Emphasis was placed on empirical studies that employed advanced methodologies such as transcriptomics, gene editing, and functional genomics. The articles were rigorously evaluated based on methodological quality, relevance, and their ability to address key themes, including the roles of MYB in stress tolerance, metabolic pathways, and developmental processes. The inclusion criteria prioritized studies exploring MYB TFs in model and non-model plant species, thereby identifying knowledge gaps and underrepresented areas in the literature. By synthesizing findings from diverse and high-quality studies, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and evolutionary significance of MYB TFs.

Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure a robust and systematic review of the functional diversity of MYB TFs in plants. These criteria were designed to identify high-quality, relevant studies that align with the review’s objectives while excluding those that did not meet methodological or thematic standards. By applying these parameters, the review prioritized the synthesis of comprehensive and reliable insights into the molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and practical applications of MYB TFs. Table 1 presents the detailed specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The article selection process (Fig. 4) started with a comprehensive search across prominent academic databases, including Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), to identify relevant studies on MYB TFs in plants. The initial search retrieved 59 records, of which 13 duplicates were removed, resulting in 46 unique articles for screening. Titles and abstracts were rigorously evaluated to assess relevance, focusing on the functional diversity, regulatory mechanisms, and applications of MYB TFs in plant biology. This step resulted in the exclusion of seven studies. The remaining 39 articles underwent a full-text review, during which 14 studies were excluded for failing to meet the predefined inclusion criteria, and four were inaccessible. To ensure the selection’s comprehensiveness, backward and forward citation tracking was performed, which identified three additional relevant studies. Ultimately, 24 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to elucidate the research landscape surrounding MYB TFs in plants [113,114]. This analysis examined the co-occurrence network of keywords in peer-reviewed literature, using data extracted from Scopus and WoS. The study aimed to identify trends, thematic clusters, and key research focal areas within MYB TF studies. The analysis revealed prominent research themes, including the roles of MYB proteins in abiotic stress responses, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and plant development. Frequently co-occurring keywords such as “MYB TFs”, “drought tolerance”, “secondary metabolism”, and “gene expression regulation” underscored the centrality of these topics within the field.

The network analysis also highlighted emerging trends, such as the application of advanced genomic tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 and transcriptomics in elucidating MYB functions. Distinct clusters also underscored the evolutionary importance of MYB proteins and their regulatory influence in non-model plant species, which are increasingly recognized for their potential in agricultural biotechnology. By visualizing keyword interconnections, the analysis provided an enhanced understanding of the integration of MYB TFs into broader regulatory networks and their practical applications in improving crop resilience and productivity. These findings indicate the increasing scientific interest in elucidating the functional diversity of MYB TFs, providing valuable insights into future research directions and technological innovations in plant molecular biology.

The network map (Fig. 5) highlights key research themes centered on transcriptional regulation, stress responses, and plant metabolism, particularly focusing on MYB TFs and their multifaceted roles in plant biology. Prominent keywords such as “transcription factor,” “metabolism,” and “genetics” underscore the central focus on gene regulation and the molecular mechanisms underlying plant traits. The presence of “abiotic stress,” “drought stress,” and “salt tolerance” indicates a strong emphasis on plant responses to environmental challenges, particularly how MYB TFs mediate stress adaptation and resilience. These keywords, along with “low temperature” and “oxidative stress,” highlight the importance of studying plant adaptation mechanisms under adverse conditions, with MYB TFs playing a critical role in regulating these processes. The connection to “flavonoids,” “biosynthesis,” and “enzyme activity” indicates a considerable interest in secondary metabolite production and metabolic pathways, which are frequently linked to stress mitigation and agricultural applications. The inclusion of “reactive oxygen metabolites” further highlights the molecular intricacies of stress responses at the cellular level, revealing how plants manage oxidative damage under environmental pressures. Additionally, terms such as “transgenic plants,” “Arabidopsis proteins,” and “nicotiana” indicate the use of model organisms and genetic engineering approaches to explore gene function and validate the roles of MYB TFs in stress responses and metabolic regulation.

The network also highlights the application of advanced genomic tools, as evidenced by keywords such as “Sanger sequencing,” “chromosome mapping,” “expression analysis,” and “CRISPR.” These methodologies are crucial for elucidating the evolutionary trajectory of MYB proteins across plant lineages and for functional validation in model and transgenic species. Emerging terms such as “complementary DNA” and “evolution” reveal the increasing use of innovative technologies to enhance our understanding of MYB TFs and their regulatory networks. Peripheral clusters, including “flavonoids,” “reactive oxygen metabolites,” and “transcriptional activation,” show the breadth of MYB-mediated processes, from secondary metabolite production to cellular stress responses. The connections between “growth response,” “hormone signaling,” and “transcriptional activation” further underscore the diverse functional roles of MYB TFs in plant development and stress adaptation. However, the network also reveals gaps in current research, such as the underrepresentation of non-model species and limited exploration of MYB interactions within complex regulatory networks. Overall, the network map reveals a multidisciplinary approach, integrating genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to elucidate the complex interplay between genes, metabolites, and environmental stressors in plants. It underscores the multidimensional effect of MYB TFs on plant biology, comprising developmental regulation, stress adaptation, and metabolic pathways. These insights facilitate future studies aimed at utilizing MYB TFs to enhance crop resilience and productivity in a rapidly changing global climate.