TypiCal but DeliCate Ca++re: Dissecting the Essence of Calcium Signaling Network as a Robust Response Coordinator of Versatile Abiotic and Biotic Stimuli in Plants

Abstract

Plant growth, development, and ultimately crop productivity are largely impacted by the interaction of plants with different abiotic and biotic factors throughout their life cycle. Perception of different abiotic stresses, such as salt, cold, drought, heat, and heavy metals, and interaction with beneficial and harmful biotic agents by plants lead to transient, sustained, or oscillatory changes of [calcium ion, Ca2+]cyt within the cell. Significant progress has been made in the decoding of Ca2+ signatures into downstream responses to modulate differential developmental and physiological responses in the whole plant. Ca2+ sensor proteins, mainly calmodulins (CaMs), calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs), and others, such as Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs), and calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) have played critical roles in coupling the specific stress stimulus with an appropriate response. This review summarizes the current understanding of the Ca2+ influx and efflux system in plant cells and various Ca2+ binding protein-mediated signal transduction pathways that are delicately orchestrated to mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses. The probable interactions of different components of Ca2+ sensor relays and Ca2+ sensor responders in response to various external stimuli have been described diagrammatically focusing on established pathways and latest developments. Present comprehensive insight into key components of the Ca2+ signaling toolkit in plants can provide an innovative framework for biotechnological manipulations toward crop improvability in near future.

Environmental response in gene expression and DNA methylation reveals factors influencing the adaptive potential ofArabidopsis lyrata

“…In any case, we discovered greater than expected overlap between genes that were differentially expressed and methylated between the populations, suggesting that changes in GBM, when they accumulate over generations, do influence patterns of gene expression (Takuno et al, 2017). In particular, genes involved in calcium ion transport were strongly enriched among the DMGs, demonstrating that the methylation status of these stress-reactive genes (Patra et al, 2021) contributes to population differentiation and potentially local adaptation in A. lyrata .…”

Unveiling the Secrets of Calcium-Dependent Proteins in Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: An Abundance of Discoveries Awaits

“…Ca 2+ is involved in the interaction of plants with pathogenic and benefic microorganisms, as well as in the response to abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, heat, or cold (revised in [29]). Different Calcium signatures were identified using luminescent and fluorescent-based Calcium-imaging techniques; among them are the stimulus-specific oscillations reported in guard cells during stomata closure or those associated with symbiosis signaling triggered by nod factors from rhizobia or mycorrhizal fungi [30][31][32][33].…”

Is there a specific calcium signal out there to decode combined biotic stress and temperature elevation?

“…Collectively, calcium signaling and decoding appear to significantly contribute to plant immunity and abiotic constraints (Patra et al, 2021). Regarding stress associated with temperature elevations, Gong et al (1998) reported that heatshock induces transient increases in calcium concentration and that exogenous calcium supply to tobacco seedlings promoted plant tolerance to subsequent transitory heat treatments, whereas the use of a calcium chelator had the opposite effect.…”

“…Collectively, calcium signaling and decoding appear to significantly contribute to plant immunity and abiotic constraints ( Patra et al., 2021 ). Regarding stress associated with temperature elevations, Gong et al.…”