Understanding the Brassinosteroid-Dependent Environmental Adaption in Brassicaceae Plants

Abstract

Plant adaptation to various stresses depends on transmitting the external stress signals into internal signals. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play pivotal roles in connecting the external and internal signals in Brassicaceae plants, particularly under abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, heat and salinity. They modulate plant growth and stress responses through receptor kinase-mediated signaling pathways, which integrate with redox homeostasis, antioxidant systems and crosstalk with other phytohormones, including auxin, abscisic acid, ethylene, cytokinins, gibberellines, jasmonates and salicylic acid. BR-dependent pathways are critical for balancing stress resilience and productivity in Brassicaceae plants. In this review, we introduce BR metabolism, signaling transduction and discuss their functions in regulating growth and development processes under adverse environment in Brassicaceae plants. We also emphasize recent advances in the crosstalk among BR and other phytohormones in stresses response. Understanding the mechanisms of BR-dependent pathways offers new approaches for enhancing the adaptation under adverse conditions in Brassicaceae crops.