Function of Plant Heat Shock Transcription Factors in Abiotic Stress

Abstract

Plants under natural environment necessitate dealing with various abiotic constraints that have significant impact on plant growth and development. These abiotic constraints include low and high temperature, salinity, drought, chemical pollutants etc which adversely affect plant production potential. Plants respond to such discomfort by various phenological, physiological, biochemical and molecular alterations/mechanisms to minimize their negative impact. Many of these responses require high expression of stress-responsive genes mediated by various transcription factors. The heat shock transcription factor (Hsfs) is one such transcription factor that offers a crucial role in abiotic stress response by regulation of heat shock proteins (Hsps). Hsfs in plants are represented by high numbers as compared with other eukaryotes, thus giving more opportunity for Hsfs associated functions mainly in plant stress management. Taking the account of this background, the present chapter has been structured to cover aspects of plant Hsfs along with their contribution in abiotic stress management, which will offer a better understanding for managing adequate crop productivity.