Somatic drought stress memory affects leaf morpho-physiological traits of plants via epigenetic mechanisms and phytohormonal signalling

IF 2.2 Q3 GENETICS & HEREDITY

Plant Gene Pub Date : 2025-04-03 DOI:10.1016/j.plgene.2025.100509

Franklin Alongi , Anja Petek-Petrik , Mohammad Mukarram , Hülya Torun , Bernhard Schuldt , Peter Petrík

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Drought stress memory in plants is an adaptive mechanism that enhances resilience to future water stress through physiological and molecular modifications triggered by previous drought events. This review explores somatic drought stress memory within a plant's lifespan, with a specific focus on leaf and stomatal morphology, minimum leaf conductance, photosynthetic efficiency, water-use efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and leaf senescence. We examine how epigenetic mechanisms—such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs—regulate gene expression in coordination with hormonal signalling pathways. Phytohormones, including abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid, auxins and cytokinins, are central to these processes, influencing key morphological and physiological adaptations, such as stomatal regulation, cuticle thickness, water retention, and improved water-use efficiency. The review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular and hormonal networks underlying these adaptations and their impact on leaf architecture and metabolism. Despite advancements, critical gaps remain in identifying the specific genes and pathways involved, understanding the longevity of epigenetic marks, and elucidating the intricate cross-talk between phytohormones during drought stress memory. This review emphasizes the need for integrated -omics approaches to map epigenetic modifications and uncover their roles in developing drought-resistant plants through targeted stress priming strategies.

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来源期刊

Plant Gene Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Plant Science

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

51 days

期刊介绍： Plant Gene publishes papers that focus on the regulation, expression, function and evolution of genes in plants, algae and other photosynthesizing organisms (e.g., cyanobacteria), and plant-associated microorganisms. Plant Gene strives to be a diverse plant journal and topics in multiple fields will be considered for publication. Although not limited to the following, some general topics include: Gene discovery and characterization, Gene regulation in response to environmental stress (e.g., salinity, drought, etc.), Genetic effects of transposable elements, Genetic control of secondary metabolic pathways and metabolic enzymes. Herbal Medicine - regulation and medicinal properties of plant products, Plant hormonal signaling, Plant evolutionary genetics, molecular evolution, population genetics, and phylogenetics, Profiling of plant gene expression and genetic variation, Plant-microbe interactions (e.g., influence of endophytes on gene expression; horizontal gene transfer studies; etc.), Agricultural genetics - biotechnology and crop improvement.