Molecular Characteristics of the MYC Gene Family in Poplar and the Regulatory Mechanism of PpnMYC2‐1 in Promoting Lignin Biosynthesis

Summary statement This study systematically characterised the MYC gene family in poplar and identified PpnMYC2‐1 as a key positive regulator of lignin biosynthesis. Functional analyses showed that PpnMYC2‐1 enhances lignin accumulation and activates the expression of lignin biosynthetic genes. Multiple protein interaction assays further indicated that PpnMYC2‐1 interacts with PagOFP2 and PagBLH6 in a potential transcriptional complex associated with lignin regulation, uncovering a new regulatory mechanism for lignin formation in woody plants.