Elucidation of Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants

Abstract

The above image represents a depiction of activation of different signaling pathways by diverse stimuli that converge to activate intricate signaling and interaction networks to counter stress (top panel). Since environmental stresses infl uence most signifi cantly to the reduction in potential crop yield, progress is now largely anticipated through functional genomics studies in plants through the use of techniques such as large-scale analysis of gene expression pattern in response to stress and construction, analysis and use of plant protein interactome networks maps for effective engineering strategies to generate stress tolerant crops (top panel). The molecular aspects of these signaling pathways are extensively studied in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and crop plant rice ( Oryza sativa ) (below).