Abstract
Zinc-finger proteins, a superfamily of proteins with a typical structural domain that coordinates a zinc ion and binds nucleic acids, participate in the regulation of growth, development, and stress adaptation in plants. Most zinc fingers are C2H2-type or CCCC-type, named after the configuration of cysteine (C) and histidine (H); the less-common CCCH zinc-finger proteins are important in the regulation of plant stress responses. In this review, we introduce the domain structures, classification, and subcellular localization of CCCH zinc-finger proteins in plants and discuss their functions in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation via interactions with DNA, RNA, and other proteins. We describe the functions of CCCH zinc-finger proteins in plant development and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, flooding, cold temperatures and oxidative stress. Finally, we summarize the signal transduction pathways and regulatory networks of CCCH zinc-finger proteins in their responses to abiotic stress. CCCH zinc-finger proteins regulate the adaptation of plants to abiotic stress in various ways, but the specific molecular mechanisms need to be further explored, along with other mechanisms such as cytoplasm-to-nucleus shuttling and post-transcriptional regulation. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms by which CCCH zinc-finger proteins improve stress tolerance will facilitate the breeding and genetic engineering of crops with improved traits.
Highlights
Throughout their lives, plants are exposed to various complex environmental conditions [1,2,3,4,5]
Szionlci-dfinagrerropwrotseiinnsdcoicnatrtiebupterotocesses that have been verified, palnandt rdesoptotensdesatroraobwiosticinstdreiscsa, tmeoprerospceecsifsicersetchepattornsefoerdsetnosibneg acblaiorticfisetdre.sses, such as salt, osmotic, and low temperature stresses, remain to be identified. Emerging technologies, such as genome-wide association analysis, CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, and single-cell sequencing will be very helpful for examining the mechanisms by which different CCCH zinc-finger proteins interact with various sensors to improve the abiotic stress tolerance of plants
Despite our progress in understanding how CCCH zinc-finger proteins contribute to plant responses to abiotic stress, more specific receptors for sensing abiotic stresses, such as salt, osmotic, and low temperature stresses, remain to be identified
Summary
Throughout their lives, plants are exposed to various complex environmental conditions [1,2,3,4,5]. When a plant is subjected to stress, it activates the corresponding regulatory pathway; the resulting responses help it to survive under the stress [7,20,21,22] In harsh conditions such as high salt levels, extreme drought and high concentrations of heavy metals or arsenic, halophytes [23,24], xerophytes [25,26] and arsenic hyperaccumulators [27,28] have formed their own unique morphology that resists abiotic stress during long-term evolution. In addition to these processes, CCCH zinc-finger proteins play key roles in regulating the tolerance of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses [81]. We focus on their role in plant responses to abiotic stress
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