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In flowering plants, stamen development is a complex multistage process, which is highly regulated by a series of transcription factors. In this study, BcMF28 , which encodes a R2R3-MYB transcription factor, was isolated from Brassica campestris. BcMF28 is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and acts as a transcriptional activator. Quantitative real-time PCR and promoter activity analysis revealed that BcMF28 was predominately expressed in inflorescences. The expression of BcMF28 was specifically detected in tapetum, developing microspores, anther endothecium, and filaments during late stamen development. The overexpression of BcMF28 in Arabidopsis resulted in aberrant stamen development, including filament shortening, anther indehiscence, and pollen abortion. Detailed analysis of anther development in transgenic plants revealed that the degeneration of septum and stomium did not occur, and endothecium lignification was affected. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway were altered in BcMF28 -overexpressing transgenic plants. Our results suggest that BcMF28 plays an important regulatory role during late stamen development. • BcMF28 encodes a R2R3-MYB transcriptional activator. • BcMF28 is predominantly expressed in inflorescences, especially in tapetum, microspores, anther endothecium and filaments. • BcMF28 overexpressing in Arabidopsis caused filament shortening, anther indehiscence, and pollen abortion.aberrant pollens, shorter filaments, and non-dehiscent anthers. • BcMF28 overexpressing in Arabidopsis altered gene expression involved in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the largest transcription factor families with complex functional differentiation in plants, the MYB transcription factors (MYB TFs) play important roles in the physiological and biochemical processes of plant growth and development. Male reproductive development, an essential part of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, is undoubtedly regulated by MYB TFs. In this review, we summarize the roles of the MYB TFs involved in the three stages of male reproductive development: pollen grains formation and maturation, filament elongation and anther dehiscence, and fertilization. Also, the potential downstream target genes and upstream regulators of these MYB TFs are discussed. Furthermore, we propose the underlying regulatory mechanisms of these MYB TFs: (1) A complex network of MYB TFs regulates various aspects of male reproductive development; (2) MYB homologous genes in different species may be functionally conserved or differentiated; (3) MYB TFs often form regulatory complexes with bHLH TFs. [Display omitted] • MYB TFs regulate various aspects of male reproductive development. • The target genes of relevant MYB TFs are various. • Different upstream factors regulate relevant MYB TFs to function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]