DUF1005 Family Identification, Evolution Analysis in Plants, and Primary Root Elongation Regulation of CiDUF1005 From Caragana intermedia

Domain of unknown function (DUF) proteins in plants: function and perspective

Domains of unknown function (DUFs), which are deposited in the protein family database (Pfam), are protein domains with conserved amino acid sequences and uncharacterized functions. Proteins with the same DUF were classified as DUF families. Although DUF families are generally not essential for the survival of plants, they play roles in plant development and adaptation. Characterizing the functions of DUFs is important for deciphering biological puzzles. DUFs were generally studied through forward and reverse genetics. Some novelty approaches, especially the determination of crystal structures and interaction partners of the DUFs, should attract more attention. This review described the identification of DUF genes by genome-wide and transcriptome-wide analyses, summarized the function of DUF-containing proteins, and addressed the prospects for future studies in DUFs in plants.

Unraveling the Diverse Roles of Neglected Genes Containing Domains of Unknown Function (DUFs): Progress and Perspective

Domain of unknown function (DUF) is a general term for many uncharacterized domains with two distinct features: relatively conservative amino acid sequence and unknown function of the domain. In the Pfam 35.0 database, 4795 (24%) gene families belong to the DUF type, yet, their functions remain to be explored. This review summarizes the characteristics of the DUF protein families and their functions in regulating plant growth and development, generating responses to biotic and abiotic stress, and other regulatory roles in plant life. Though very limited information is available about these proteins yet, by taking advantage of emerging omics and bioinformatic tools, functional studies of DUF proteins could be utilized in future molecular studies.