The role of MYB21 in Arabidopsis: transcending flower-specific functions to vegetative tissue

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives are lipid-derived phytohormones that coordinate plant growth, development, and stress responses through the bioactive conjugate jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile). Their role in reproductive development is well established, particularly in stamen maturation through the R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB21, which has been considered largely flower-specific. Here, we reveal a previously unrecognized role of MYB21 in vegetative tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana. Although basal MYB21 transcript levels in leaves are extremely low and spatially restricted, wounding and exogenous hormone applications induced MYB21 transcription in a JA- and COI1-dependent manner. Transcriptional GUS reporter analyses showed localized MYB21 promoter activity in specialized epidermal cells, including trichomes, hydathodes, and in the vasculature at wound sites. Functional characterization using the myb21-5 mutant indicated roles in germination and vegetative growth, partially phenocopying JA-insensitive mutants despite unaltered JA biosynthesis and signaling. Transcriptome profiling further revealed changes in expression of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, light-harvesting complex components, cytokinin pathways, and defense-related responses, consistent with reduced resistance of myb21-5 to insect herbivory and infection by Botrytis cinerea. Together, these findings identify MYB21 as a JA-responsive regulator of growth and defense in seedlings and leaves, extending its function beyond reproductive development. HighlightThe transcription factor MYB21, previously considered flower-specific, is induced by jasmonate signaling in Arabidopsis leaves and seedlings, where it regulates growth and defense responses, thereby expanding its role beyond reproductive development.