Transcriptional Regulators of Plant Adaptation to Heat Stress

Heat stress (HS) is becoming an increasingly large problem for food security as global warming progresses. As sessile species, plants have evolved different mechanisms to cope with the disruption of cellular homeostasis, which can impede plant growth and development. Here, we summarize the mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation mediated by transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and regulatory RNAs in response to HS. Additionally, cellular activities for adaptation to HS are discussed, including maintenance of protein homeostasis through protein quality control machinery, and autophagy, as well as the regulation of ROS homeostasis via a ROS-scavenging system. Plant cells harmoniously regulate their activities to adapt to unfavorable environments. Lastly, we will discuss perspectives on future studies for improving urban agriculture by increasing crop resilience to HS.

Automated summary

Heat stress is a growing threat to food security due to global warming. Plants, as sessile species, have developed different mechanisms to cope with the disruption of cellular homeostasis caused by heat stress. This article summarizes the transcriptional regulation mechanisms mediated by transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and regulatory RNAs in response to heat stress. Additionally, cellular activities such as protein homeostasis maintenance and regulation of ROS homeostasis are discussed. The harmonious regulation of plant cells allows them to adapt to unfavorable environments. Future studies on improving crop resilience to heat stress for urban agriculture are also suggested.