Zfp3, a C2H2-type zinc finger protein gene, is involved in multiple biological processes. It plays a role in stress responses such as salt and osmotic stress, and is also associated with plant development including vegetative growth and root hair development. In plants, it may regulate related pathways by affecting gene expressions [1,2].

In Arabidopsis, studies have shown that Zfp3 has a significant impact on stress tolerance. The constitutive expression of Zfp3 enhanced plant tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, while the zfp3 mutant plants had reduced tolerance. Also, gain-and loss-of-function studies demonstrated its role in proline accumulation, chlorophyll content, and the induction of stress-related genes like KIN1, RD22, RD29B, and AtP5CS1 [1]. In terms of plant development, Zfp3 overexpression reduced plant growth, limited cell expansion in leaves, and affected root hair development. RNAseq and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments identified Zfp3-controlled gene sets related to cell wall biogenesis, cell differentiation, and root hair formation [2].

In conclusion, Zfp3 is crucial for plants in adapting to stress and in proper vegetative development. The functional studies using mutant plants have revealed its role in regulating key physiological processes, which contributes to our understanding of plant stress-response mechanisms and development regulation.