Transcriptional control of cuticle formation during development

The cuticle is a chemically complex, lipid-rich seal covering aerial tissues in land plants. Secreted by the outer epidermis, cuticles protect against desiccation, prevent organ fusion and defend against pathogen attack and ultraviolet radiation exposure. Cuticles also mediate key interactions during reproduction and play other roles depending on the tissue, stage and species. Reflecting these diverse functions, cuticle composition and structure can vary widely. Here, we review the transcriptional control important for cuticle formation with special attention to broadly conserved transcription factors whose selective regulation of downstream targets drive cuticle specialisation. We also discuss how transcriptional control of the cuticle intersects with networks controlling plasticity and cell fate, and explore their translational potential for crop improvement.