Pivotal role of heterotrimeric G protein in the crosstalk between sugar signaling and abiotic stress response in plants

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are key modulators of multiple signaling and developmental pathways in plants, in which they act as molecular switches to engage in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside into the cells. Substantial studies have identified G proteins as essential components of the organismal response to abiotic stress, leading to adaptation and survival in plants. Meanwhile, sugars are also well acknowledged key players in stress perception, signaling, and gene expression regulation. Connections between the two significant signaling pathways in stress response are of interest to a general audience in plant biology. In this article, advances unraveling a pivotal role of G proteins in the process of sugar signals outside the cells being translated into the operation of autophagy in cells during stress are reviewed. In addition, we have presented recent findings on G proteins regulating the response to drought, salt, alkali, cold, heat and other abiotic stresses. Perspectives on G-protein research are also provided in the end. Since G protein signaling regulates many agronomic traits, elucidation of detailed mechanism of the related pathways would provide useful insights for the breeding of abiotic stress resistant and high-yield crops.