Ethylene Signaling in Plants: Possible Crosstalk and Role in Stress Tolerance

Abstract

Ethylene, a gaseous phytohormone, serves as a key regulator in governing diverse physiological mechanisms in plants, involving maturation, growth, and responding to environmental challenges. This review investigates the intricate signaling cascades associated with ethylene and its role in enhancing plant resilience to stress. Ethylene signaling predominantly operates through a sophisticated network involving receptors, transcription factors, and downstream effectors, collectively modulating gene expression and cellular reactions. Recent studies have unveiled extensive interplay between ethylene and other signaling passages, such as 2 hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-jasmonic acid and absisic acid, underscoring the integrated nature of plant stress responses. The review searches into the molecular mechanisms underlying ethylene-mediated stress tolerance, elucidating its impact on various stressors like drought, salinity, and pathogen attacks. It discusses ethylene's dual function as both a stress initiator and alleviator, highlighting the context-dependent nature of its effects.Additionally, the review explores ethylene's role in adapting plant defense mechanisms, including the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and polyphenolic compounds. A comprehensive consideration of ethylene signaling and its interactions with other pathways provides valuable insights for devising approaches to boost crop immunity against stress. The review also highlights the potential applications of manipulating ethylene signaling for crop improvement under unfavorable environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to modulate ethylene responses while preserving overall plant health. In conclusion, unraveling the complexities of ethylene signaling and its crosstalk with other pathways holds great promise for advancing our understanding of plant stress responses and cultivating resilient crops for sustainable agriculture.