The multifaceted roles of heterotrimeric G-proteins: lessons from models and crops

Main conclusion The review summarizes our advanced understanding of the heterotrimeric G-protein research from model plants and their emerging roles in modulating various plant architecture and agronomical traits in crop species. Heterotrimeric G-proteins (hereafter G-proteins), consisting of G-alpha (G alpha), G-beta (G beta) and G-gamma (G gamma) subunits, are key signal transducers conserved across different forms of life. The discovery of plant lineage-specific G-protein components (extra-large G-proteins and type-C G gamma subunits), inherent polyploidy in angiosperms, and unique modes of G-protein cycle regulation in plants pointed out to a few fundamental differences of plant G-protein signaling from its animal counterpart. Over the last 2 decades, extensive studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have confirmed the involvement of G-proteins in a wide range of plant growth and development, and stress adaptation processes. The G-protein research in crop species, however, is still in its infancy, and a handful of studies suggest important roles of G-proteins in regulating plant architectural and key agronomical traits including plant's response to abiotic and biotic factors. We propose that the advancement made in plant G-proteins research will facilitate the development of novel approaches to manage plant yield and fitness in changing environments.

Automated summary

The review summarizes the advanced understanding of heterotrimeric G-protein research in model plants and their emerging roles in modulating plant architecture and agronomical traits in crop species. The discovery of plant-specific G-protein components and unique modes of G-protein cycle regulation in plants highlight the differences between plant and animal G-protein signaling. While extensive studies in Arabidopsis have confirmed the involvement of G-proteins in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation, research in crop species is still in its infancy. However, a few studies suggest important roles of G-proteins in regulating plant architecture and key agronomical traits, indicating their potential in managing plant yield and fitness in changing environments.