Ascorbate-Glutathione cycle and biotic stress tolerance in plants

Abstract

The ascorbate-glutathione cycle (AsA-GSH cycle) is a central pathway of the plant cells linking the H2O2-scavenging activity to redox signalling. Here, we summarize the most recent advances in our understanding of the role of AsA-GSH cycle in plant-pathogen interactions. Special attention is paid to the regulatory functions of the AsA-GSH cycle components in plant defence against pathogens, their cross talk with other stress signalling pathways and the functional differences between the cellular compartments in relation to the ascorbate and glutathione-dependent protective systems. As under field conditions, different stresses are likely to occur simultaneously, the involvement of AsA-GSH cycle in the signalling network that regulates the response of plants to a combination of pathogen infection and abiotic stress is also addressed.