Transcription Factor: A Powerful Tool to Regulate Biosynthesis of Active Ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a common Chinese herbal medicine, and its major active ingredients are phenolic acids tanshinones, which widely used to treat vascular diseases. However, the wild form of S. possess low levels these important pharmaceutical agents; thus, improving their an area research. Transcription factors, promote or inhibit expressions multiple genes involved in one more biosynthetic pathways, powerful tools for controlling gene expression biosynthesis. Several families transcription factors have been reported participate regulating acid tanshinone biosynthesis influence accumulation. This review summarizes current status this field, with focus on identified recent years functions regulation tanshinones. Otherwise, new insight further research provided. Finally, application by discussed, insights future explored.