H2 O2 , NO, and H2 S networks during root development and signalling under physiological and challenging environments: Beneficial or toxic?

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a key modulator of the development and architecture of the root system under physiological and adverse environmental conditions. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) also exert myriad functions on plant development and signalling. Accumulating pieces of evidence show that depending upon the dose and mode of applications, NO and H2 S can have synergistic or antagonistic actions in mediating H2 O2 signalling during root development. Thus, H2 O2 -NO-H2 S crosstalk might essentially impart tolerance to elude oxidative stress in roots. Growth and proliferation of root apex involve crucial orchestration of NO and H2 S-mediated ROS signalling which also comprise other components including mitogen-activated protein kinase, cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH), and Ca2+ flux. This assessment provides a comprehensive update on the cooperative roles of NO and H2 S in modulating H2 O2 homoeostasis during root development, abiotic stress tolerance, and root-microbe interaction. Furthermore, it also analyses the scopes of some fascinating future investigations associated with strigolactone and karrikins concerning H2 O2 -NO-H2 S crosstalk in plant roots.