PIF4 and phytohormones signalling under abiotic stress

Abiotic stressors like excessive temperatures, drought, and salinity threaten crop productivity and food security. Molecular mechanisms underlying plants’ acclimatization to environmental stresses are complex, and understanding the intricate mechanisms is crucial for developing agriculture resilience to withstand global climate change. This review focuses on the diverse roles of Phytochrome Interacting Factor 4 (PIF4) in facilitating phytohormone signalling for plant stress tolerance. To better understand the PIF4-mediated responses to heat, drought, and salt stress, we have reviewed data from studies across various plant species. Further, the interactions of PIF4 with gibberellin pathways, auxin biosynthesis, and ethylene and brassinosteriod networks to facilitate growth and development under abiotic stresses are highlighted. Recent data on the functional analysis of PIF4 gene(s) in crops such as soybean, cotton, tomato, and rice suggest its vital role. Overall, this review provides a broad account of PIF4-mediated stress signalling in plants and highlights how its modulation by cutting-edge biotechnology or gene editing tools could lead to the development of resilient crops.