BBX proteins and their multifaceted roles in floral regulation

B-box (BBX) proteins, a distinct subgroup of zinc finger transcription factors characterized by the presence of one or two B-box domains, play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth and development, particularly in photomorphogenesis. The role of <italic>BBX</italic> genes in the vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition has gradually been identified in the past few years. <italic>BBX</italic> gene member <italic>BBX1</italic>/<italic>CONSTANS</italic> is a master regulator of the photoperiod pathway and transcriptionally activates the florigen gene <italic>FLOWERING LOCUS T</italic>. <italic>BBX</italic> genes can generate different transcripts through alternative splicing, which significantly increases their functional diversity and regulatory complexity, and plays an important role in plant flowering regulation. However, a schematic analysis of transcriptional regulations and protein interactions during signaling pathways has not been presented. The review highlights recent progress in the transcriptional regulatory role of <italic>BBX</italic> genes during floral regulation and development. It also provides valuable insights into the structural and functional features of the <italic>BBX</italic> gene family and emphasizes its essential role in the complex regulatory networks underlying floral development in plants.