Abstract
The activity and expression of glutathione transferases (GSTs) depend on several less-known endogenous and well-described exogenous factors, such as the developmental stage, presence, and intensity of different stressors, as well as on the absence or presence and quality of light, which to date have received less attention. In this review, we focus on discussing the role of circadian rhythm, light quality, and intensity in the regulation of plant GSTs. Recent studies demonstrate that diurnal regulation can be recognized in GST activity and gene expression in several plant species. In addition, the content of one of their co-substrates, reduced glutathione (GSH), also shows diurnal changes. Darkness, low light or shade mostly reduces GST activity, while high or excess light significantly elevates both the activity and expression of GSTs and GSH levels. Besides the light-regulated induction and dark inactivation of GSTs, these enzymes can also participate in the signal transduction of visible and UV light. For example, red light may alleviate the harmful effects of pathogens and abiotic stressors by increasing GST activity and expression, as well as GSH content in leaves of different plant species. Based on this knowledge, further research on plants (crops and weeds) or organs and temporal regulation of GST activity and gene expression is necessary for understanding the complex regulation of plant GSTs under various light conditions in order to increase the yield and stress tolerance of plants in the changing environment.
Highlights
Light is required for optimal plant growth and development, as well as being the most important energy source for biomass production (Chen et al, 2004; Kangasjärvi et al, 2012)
The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of GSTs in plant developmental processes and stress responses under various light conditions, because these enzymes play a crucial role in the regulation of detoxification processes and homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Plant GSTs (EC 2.5.1.18; GSTs) are a diverse group of multifunctional enzymes, which catalyze a wide range of reactions involving the conjugation of glutathione (GSH; γ-Glu– Cys–Gly) into electrophilic compounds to form more soluble derivatives, which can be transported to the vacuole and further metabolized (Labrou et al, 2015)
Summary
Ágnes Gallé 1*, Zalán Czékus 1, Krisztina Bela 1, Edit Horváth 2, Attila Ördög 1, Jolán Csiszár 1 and Péter Poór 1. Red light may alleviate the harmful effects of pathogens and abiotic stressors by increasing GST activity and expression, as well as GSH content in leaves of different plant species. Based on this knowledge, further research on plants (crops and weeds) or organs and temporal regulation of GST activity and gene expression is necessary for understanding the complex regulation of plant GSTs under various light conditions in order to increase the yield and stress tolerance of plants in the changing environment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
