FKF1: A central signaling hub integrating multi cues to flowering in plants

Abstract

Floral transition determines plant reproductive success and crop productivity. The blue-light receptor FKF1 serves as a central signaling hub for flowering regulation. Although its function in photoperiodic flowering is well characterized, the molecular amechanisms underlying FKF1-mediated temperature and nutrient responses, as well as crop latitudinal adaptation, remain poorly defined. We summarize recent progress on FKF1-dependent flowering regulatory pathways across plant species. FKF1 integrates multi-environmental signals through liquid–liquid phase separation, conserved FKF1–GI modules and epigenetic modulation, with distinct functional features between monocots and dicots. Natural functional alleles of FKF1 substantially enhance crop environmental adaptability and yield, offering promising genetic resources for crop improvement and sustainable agricultural development.