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.

Automated summary

Domain of unknown function (DUF) refers to uncharacterized domains with relatively conservative amino acid sequence and unknown function. In the Pfam 35.0 database, 4795 (24%) gene families belong to the DUF type, but their functions are still unexplored. This review summarizes the characteristics of DUF protein families and their functions in regulating plant growth and development, responding to biotic and abiotic stress, and other regulatory roles in plant life. Despite limited information available about these proteins, future molecular studies can make use of emerging omics and bioinformatic tools to investigate the functional roles of DUF proteins.