Molecular Mechanisms of Interaction and Adaptation Between Non-Model Plants and the Environment

Dear Colleagues,

The dynamic interplay between plants and their environments represents a fundamental biological process that has been extensively investigated in model species. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation in non-model plants, particularly perennial woody species and economically valuable horticultural crops. While substantial progress has been made in characterizing stress response pathways in Arabidopsis and other model systems, the unique evolutionary trajectories and ecological adaptations of non-model plants remain underexplored at the molecular level. Recent advancements in genome sequencing technologies have ushered non-model plant research into the post-genomic era. The exponential growth of available genomes, from drought-resistant desert shrubs to cold-tolerant conifers, presents unprecedented opportunities for comparative analyses. This genomic revolution enables researchers to address critical questions about species-specific adaptation strategies and conserved molecular pathways across plant lineages. Elucidating these mechanisms has profound implications for both basic science and applied biotechnology. Decoding non-model species' adaptation blueprints expands our understanding of phenotypic plasticity and ecological speciation. Practically, such insights directly inform precision breeding programs, particularly for developing climate-resilient crops and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Notably, discoveries in these understudied species frequently reveal novel regulatory networks and metabolic adaptations that challenge existing paradigms established in model organisms.

This Special Issue will highlight methodological innovations and molecular mechanisms with common sense or species uniqueness in non-model plants in adaption, including but not limited to the following topics:

1. Multi-omics integration strategies bridging transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses;
2. Comparative studies identifying lineage-specific innovations versus conserved stress response modules;
3. Functional validation approaches adapted for recalcitrant transformation systems;
4. Complex response mechanisms of non-model plants in response to various stresses.

Dr. Nan Chao
Dr. Li Liu
Prof. Dr. Ying Gai
Guest Editors

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• non-model plants
• molecular mechanism
• environment
• stresses