The interaction between MYB proteins and their target DNA binding sites

Members of the MYB family of transcription factors are found in all eukaryotic lineages, where they function to regulate either fundamental cellular processes, or specific facets of metabolism or cellular differentiation. MYB transcription factors regulate these processes through modulation of transcription at target genes, to which they bind in a sequence-specific manner. Over the past decades, insights have been gained into the molecular interactions between MYB proteins and their cognate DNA targets. This review focuses on those insights, the emergence of common themes in DNA binding by diverse MYB family members. The review also considers gaps in the current knowledge of MYB–DNA interactions, particularly for plant MYB proteins, and how emerging techniques that examine protein–DNA interactions can fill these gaps.