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Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance
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Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 1837

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sajid Ali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: microbial biotechnology; plant–microbe interactions; endophytic fungi and bacteria; microbial plant bio-stimulants; abiotic stress mitigation; stress tolerance in plants; sustainable agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleauges,

This Special Issue focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underpin plant stress tolerance, with an emphasis on how plants respond and adapt to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stressors, including drought, waterlogging, salinity, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, and pathogens. Plant stress tolerance involves sophisticated signaling networks mediated by phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secondary messengers like calcium ions and nitric oxide (NO). These signaling cascades orchestrate the regulation of stress-responsive genes through transcription factors (NAC, MYB, and WRKY) and non-coding RNAs (miRNAs and siRNAs). Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, contribute to stress memory and adaptive responses. Metabolic reprogramming, encompassing osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, plays a critical role in mitigating stress-induced damage. Mechanisms involved in protein homeostasis, including molecular chaperones, ubiquitin-proteasome systems, and autophagy, further support cellular stability under stress conditions. In addition, plant–microbe interactions and microbial bio-stimulants are increasingly recognized for their contributions to stress tolerance by modulating phytohormone levels, nutrient acquisition, and stress-related signaling. This issue invites high-quality research, reviews, and perspectives that leverage advances in omics technologies to elucidate molecular pathways, offering innovative solutions for developing stress-resilient crops to address global climate challenges and ensure agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Sajid Ali
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant stress tolerance
  • molecular mechanisms
  • stress-responsive gene
  • signal transduction pathways
  • epigenetic modifications
  • phytohormones (ethylene, ABA, SA, JA)
  • reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • plant–microbe interactions
  • microbial plant bio-stimulants
  • omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics)

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 8775 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Characterization of the Heat Shock Transcription Factor Gene Family in Begonia semperflorens Reveals Promising Candidates for Heat Tolerance
by Zhirou Liu, Nan Lin, Qirui Wang, Enkai Xu and Kaiming Zhang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060398 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 100
Abstract
Begonia semperflorens (B. semperflorens) is a popular ornamental plant widely used in landscapes such as plazas and flower beds, and it is also commonly grown as a potted plant indoors. It is known for its adaptability to high temperatures, drought, and [...] Read more.
Begonia semperflorens (B. semperflorens) is a popular ornamental plant widely used in landscapes such as plazas and flower beds, and it is also commonly grown as a potted plant indoors. It is known for its adaptability to high temperatures, drought, and shade. Under heat-tolerant conditions, heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are key transcriptional regulatory proteins that play crucial roles in cellular processes. Despite extensive studies on the HSF family in various species, there has been no specific analysis targeting B. semperflorens. In this study, we identified 37 members of the BsHSF gene family in B. semperflorens based on its genome scaffold, which are unevenly distributed across the genome. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that these 37 members can be divided into three subfamilies. Analysis of their physicochemical properties shows significant diversity among these proteins. Except for the BsHSFB7 protein located in the cytoplasm, all other BsHSF proteins were found to be nuclear-localized. A comparison of the amino acid sequences indicates that all BsHSF proteins contain a conserved DNA-binding domain structure. Analysis of the promoter cis-acting elements also suggests that BsHSFs may be associated with heat stress and plant secondary metabolism. We further investigated the duplication events of BsHSF genes and their collinearity with genes from other Begonia species. Finally, through real-time quantitative PCR, we examined the expression patterns of the 37 BsHSFs in different plant tissues (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers) and their expression levels under heat stress treatment. The results show that, except for BsHSF29, all BsHSFs were expressed in various tissues, with varying expression levels across tissues. Except for BsHSF33 and BsHSF34, the expression levels of almost all BsHSF genes increased in response to heat treatment. In summary, these findings provide a better understanding of the role and regulatory mechanisms of HSFs in the heat stress response of B. semperflorens and lay the foundation for further exploration of the biological functions of BsHSFs in the stress responses of B. semperflorens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance)
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16 pages, 1951 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Serratia fonticola and Pseudomonas koreensis on Mitigating Salt Stress in Cucumis sativus L.
by Sajid Ali, Murtaza Khan and Yong-Sun Moon
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030194 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 693
Abstract
Beneficial microbes enhance plant growth and development, even under stressful conditions. Serratia fonticola (S1T1) and Pseudomonas koreensis (S4T10) are two multi-trait plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that are resistant to saline conditions. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of these PGPRs on mitigating salinity [...] Read more.
Beneficial microbes enhance plant growth and development, even under stressful conditions. Serratia fonticola (S1T1) and Pseudomonas koreensis (S4T10) are two multi-trait plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that are resistant to saline conditions. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of these PGPRs on mitigating salinity stress (200 mM) in Cucumis sativus. Presently, the synergistic effect of both strains enhances the plant growth-promoting attributes of cucumber, and the growth parameters were significantly higher than those of uninoculated plants. The PGPR-treated plants revealed a significantly higher biomass and improved chlorophyll content. The inoculation of S1T1 and S4T10 and the synergistic effect of both promoted 23, 24, and 28% increases, respectively, in the fresh biomass and 16, 19.8, and 24% increases, respectively, in the dry biomass. Similarly, S1T1 and S4T10 and their synergistic effects led to 16.5, 28.4, and 38% increases, respectively, in the water potential and 18, 22, and 28% decreases, respectively, in abscisic acid (ABA). A reduction in the electrolytic leakage (EL) was additional proof of successful PGPR activities. Similarly, a decrease in the antioxidant levels, including those of malondialdehyde (21–30%), hydrogen peroxide (19–38%), and superoxide anions (24–34%), was observed, alongside an increase in antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (22–29%) and superoxide dismutase (17–27%). Additionally, the synergistic inoculation of the PGPRs enhanced the NaCl stress tolerance by upregulating the expression of the ion transporter genes HKT1 (1–2-fold), NHX (1–3-fold), and SOS1 (2–4-fold). Conclusively, the synergistic effect of the multi-trait PGPRs significantly enhances C. sativus L. growth under salt stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance)
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Review

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14 pages, 513 KiB  
Review
Transgenerational Memory of Phenotypic Traits in Plants: Epigenetic Regulation of Growth, Hormonal Balance, and Stress Adaptation
by Erna Karalija, Saida Ibragić, Sabina Dahija and Dunja Šamec
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060404 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 79
Abstract
Plants exhibit remarkable adaptability to environmental stresses, with epigenetic modifications playing a key role in stress memory and adaptation. This review explores how epigenetic mechanisms influence hormonal regulation in plants, shaping growth, development, and stress responses. Specifically, we focus on the roles of [...] Read more.
Plants exhibit remarkable adaptability to environmental stresses, with epigenetic modifications playing a key role in stress memory and adaptation. This review explores how epigenetic mechanisms influence hormonal regulation in plants, shaping growth, development, and stress responses. Specifically, we focus on the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small RNAs in modulating auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and jasmonic acid (JA) pathways. These pathways influence the plant’s ability to cope with abiotic and biotic stresses and can be inherited by progeny, enhancing stress resilience across generations. By understanding the epigenetic regulation of these hormones, we aim to provide insights into how epigenetic priming can be harnessed in crop improvement to address the challenges posed by climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance)
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