The Omics of Cold Stress Responses in Plants

Abstract

Low temperature (LT) is a major threat that limits growth, development, and distribution leading to plant damage and crop losses. Plants respond to cold stress through a phenomenon known as cold acclimation, which is a complex process involving changes at multiple levels that include physiological and biochemical modifications, alterations in gene expression, and changes in concentrations of proteins and metabolites. Perception of cold stress by the cell membranes results in activation of cold-responsive genes and transcription factors that help in combating cold stress. Transcriptional responses to cold are guided by both ABA-dependent and -independent pathways that induce the expression of cold-regulated (COR) genes, thereby changing protein and metabolite homeostasis. Recent advances in the field of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has led to new discoveries, which has augmented our understanding of this intricate phenomenon. Here, we discuss the various aspects of cold stress responses in plants to develop a holistic understanding in the field of stress-mediated signaling.