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Abiotic Stress in Plants

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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: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 5198

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Prof. Dr. Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente

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Departamento de Agricultura y Ganadería, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas S/N Col. Centro, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico
Interests: soil microbiology
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Dear Colleagues,

Abiotic stress significantly limits plant growth and agricultural productivity. Factors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutritional deficiencies trigger complex molecular responses that include hormonal signaling pathways (i.e., ABA, ethylene), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activation of key transcription factors (DREB, NAC, bZIP). These responses regulate gene expression, secondary metabolism, and cellular defense mechanisms such as osmotic and protein homeostasis. While this special issue focuses on studies using omics tools, gene editing, and integrative approaches to understand and improve abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants, it is also important to note that ecophysiological studies under extreme conditions are also welcome. I cordially invite you to participate in the special issue entitled "Abiotic Stress in Plants" for Current Issues in Molecular Biology. We would be delighted to assist you in the dissemination and/or promotion of such exciting studies and wonderful results.

Respectfully,
Prof. Dr. Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente
Guest Editors

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Keywords

plant growth
abiotic stress
abiotic stress tolerance
gene editing

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Expression and Promoter Methylation of the Genes Encoding the Mitochondrial and Cytosolic Forms of Fumarase in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Leaves Depending on Light Regime and Salinity

by Oksana V. Sazonova, Dmitry N. Fedorin, Alexander T. Eprintsev and Abir U. Igamberdiev

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(5), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48050513 - 15 May 2026

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Abstract

The expression of two genes, Fum1 and Fum2, encoding the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2); the methylation of individual CpGs of their promoters; and fumarase activity were studied in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves depending on irradiation and salinity. Fumarase activity was twice as high in darkness compared to irradiation by white light and red light, while far-red light applied after darkness or after red light reverted the activity to the values in darkness, which indicates the involvement of phytochrome. Using qRT-PCR, it was demonstrated that this corresponded to the pattern of expression of the Fum1 gene, while the expression of the Fum2 gene was higher upon irradiation by white and red light, and lower in darkness and under far-red light. Under the application of 150 mM NaCl for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, fumarase activity increased fivefold from the start of incubation to 6 h, and then decreased after 12 h. These changes were associated with the transcriptional regulation of the Fum1 and Fum2 genes. Changes in the methylation status of the analyzed CpGs in their gene promoters, detected via semi-quantitative methylation-specific PCR, were associated with differences in their expression. The higher methylation levels of the analyzed CpGs in the Fum1 gene promoter under different light conditions and in the Fum2 gene promoter under salinity corresponded to low levels of their transcripts in sunflower leaves. It is suggested that the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of fumarase are regulated by light and salinity at the gene expression level, presumably through changes in the methylation status of individual CpGs in their promoters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants)

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21 pages, 8638 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Trichoderma hamatum Biostimulant Modulates Physiology and Gene Expression to Enhance Lettuce Salt Tolerance

by Xinxin Zhan, Cuihong Hao, Jing Liu, Qingbin Wang, Mingjing Yang, Ruxin Li, Lihong Chen and Dayong Cui

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48020188 - 6 Feb 2026

Viewed by 660

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major constraint on global agricultural productivity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cell-free extract from Trichoderma hamatum (designated BEYF) in enhancing salt stress tolerance in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Lettuce plants under normal and salt-stressed conditions exposed to 200 mM NaCl were treated with either water or YF (the working solution of BEYF) at concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 mg/L. Compared to the control, YF application significantly improved plant growth under salt stress, as indicated by increased plant height, biomass, leaf area, and other agronomic traits. Physiologically, YF mitigated oxidative membrane damage, as indicated by reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while promoting the accumulation of the osmoprotectant proline. Histochemical staining further confirmed that YF effectively suppressed hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and preserved cell viability under salt stress. At the molecular level, YF significantly up-regulated the expression of key stress-responsive genes, including those involved in abscisic acid biosynthesis (NCED1, NCED2), signaling (WRKY58), and proline synthesis (P5CSs). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that BEYF enhances lettuce salt tolerance through integrated physiological, cellular, and transcriptional adaptations, supporting its potential as a sustainable biostimulant for improving crop cultivation in saline soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants)

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16 pages, 2389 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification of RTE Gene Family Members in Sweet Potato and Their Expression Patterns Under Salt and Drought Stress

by Xiaojie Jin, Heping Wan, Feng Yu, Xinsun Yang and Rongchang Yang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010073 - 11 Jan 2026

Viewed by 520

Abstract

Ethylene is a multifunctional phytohormone that regulates plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic/biotic stresses. RTE1 (Reversion-To-Ethylene Sensitivity1) acts as a negative regulator of the ethylene responses in Arabidopsis by positively regulating ethylene receptor ETR1. However, the role of RTE genes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), an import food crop worldwide, remains largely unknown, particularly their involvement in abiotic stress adaptation. In this study, we identified 23 RTE genes in sweet potato, distributed across 21 chromosomes and one scaffold BrgTig00017944. The phylogenetic analysis divided them into two groups, the RTE1 group and RTH (RTE1-Homolog) group. Synteny analysis revealed that whole genome duplication (WGD) was the major force of expansion of the IbRTE gene family. Multiple cis-acting elements responsive to hormones and stress were found in the promoter region of IbRTE genes. The transcriptome expression profiling showed that the majority of IbRTEs have tissue-specific and differential expression under drought and salt stresses. Meanwhile, the qRT–PCR results showed that the 14 representatives IbRTEs have differential expression profilings under salt (NaCl) and drought (PEG) treatments. These findings suggest that the IbRTE genes may be involved in sweet potato’s adaptive responses to salt and drought, providing a valuable foundation for further functional studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants)

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18 pages, 6451 KB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering the Molecular Response of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) to ¹²C⁶⁺ Heavy-Ion Irradiation Through Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses

by Zhengwei Tan, Lei Li, Yan Liang, Chunming Li, Xiaoyu Su, Dandan Lu, Yao Sun, Lina Wang, Mengfan Su, Yiwen Cao and Huizhen Liang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010007 - 21 Dec 2025

Viewed by 666

Abstract

Origanum vulgare L., a medicinal herb rich in bioactive phenols and terpenes, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Heavy-ion beam mutagenesis, a sophisticated breeding technique, can induce significant variations in plants, thereby affecting their secondary metabolite production. This study utilized metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to investigate the effects of ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy-ion irradiation on oregano. Our results indicated substantial changes in mutant lines, including marked alterations in plant height, leaf morphology, and biomass accumulation. Metabolomic analysis indicated that the differentially accumulated volatile compounds were primarily terpenoids. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis indicated a predominant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in terpenoid biosynthesis. Integrated analyses identified key transcriptional changes in genes encoding terpenoid backbone enzymes, such as GPPS, GGPPS, DXS, and HMGR, and pinpointed candidate genes, including TPS3, TPS6A, TPS6C, CYP71D178, CYP71D181, and CYP71D10B, whose expression patterns were closely associated with the differential accumulation of carvacrol and thymol. This comprehensive study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming induced by heavy-ion irradiation in oregano and offers valuable genetic resources for future metabolic engineering and precision breeding initiatives aimed at enhancing the production of valuable bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants)

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Review

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31 pages, 705 KB

Open AccessReview

Microbial Biofertilizers for Salinity Stress Mitigation in Hydroponic Systems

by Prabhaharan Renganathan, Lira A. Gaysina and Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(12), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47121029 - 10 Dec 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

Salinity accumulation is a critical abiotic constraint in hydroponic agriculture, particularly in recirculating systems, where limited leaching and nutrient cycling intensify ionic accumulation and increase the conductivity of nutrient solutions. Hydroponic crops are sensitive to osmotic and ionic stress, which leads to reduced water uptake, disrupted nutrient homeostasis, and yield loss. Traditional mitigation strategies, such as nutrient dilution, flushing, and water blending, provide temporary relief while increasing operational costs, nutrient discharge, and water consumption. Microbial biofertilizers, including plant growth-promoting bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, offer a sustainable approach for enhancing salinity resilience. These microorganisms influence root zone processes through mechanisms such as ion transport regulation, exopolysaccharide-mediated Na⁺ immobilization, osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant enhancement, phytohormonal modulation, and siderophore-mediated micronutrient mobilization. This review (i) summarizes the physiological, microbial, and system-level drivers of salinity stress in hydroponics, (ii) synthesizes evidence for microbial inoculation in saline solutions, and (iii) identifies research gaps related to formulation stability, disinfection compatibility, and commercial-scale validation. We address advances in hydroponic microbiology, emphasizing optimized delivery systems, including encapsulated formulations, consortium-based inoculation, and system-specific strategies to support microbial colonization in soilless environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants)

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