Can G-Proteins be the key proteins for overcoming environmental stresses and increasing crop yield in plants?

Abstract

Global climate change is bringing with it many environmental maladies which are not only affecting the human life but also putting great influence on the plants in the form of abiotic and biotic stresses. It is a challenge in front of present scientists to look for the useful genes and tools that can reverse the struggle of plants to survive in the stressful conditions. G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins, and G-proteins are some of the tools whose potential is gaining attention day by day. This system works in the similar fashion as the sensor-effector proteins acting right from perception of signal till the sensitizing effectors and bringing about ultimate change for the benefit of the organisms. GPCR/RGS being the probable receptors are bound to the G-proteins and cause them to dissociate from them after perceiving hormonal and stress signals. Subsequently, these proteins interact with other cellular proteins and result in the regulation of many stress-responsive genes. In this chapter, we discuss the stress in general, followed by the role of GPCR and G-proteins in biological processes including those that are related to environmental stresses.