Hydrogen sulfide: an emerging component against abiotic stress in plants

As a result of climate change, abiotic stresses are the most common cause of crop losses worldwide. Abiotic stresses significantly impair plants' physiological, biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms, limiting crop productivity under adverse climate conditions. However, plants can implement essential mechanisms against abiotic stressors to maintain their growth and persistence under such stressful environments. In nature, plants have developed several adaptations and defence mechanisms to mitigate abiotic stress. Moreover, recent research has revealed that signalling molecules like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stresses in plants by implementing several physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Mainly, H2S helps to implement antioxidant defence systems, and interacts with other molecules like nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), phytohormones, etc. These molecules are well-known as the key players that moderate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses. Currently, little progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of the protective role of H2S; however, it is imperative to understand the molecular basis using the state-of-the-art CRISPR-Cas gene-editing tool. Subsequently, genetic engineering could provide a promising approach to unravelling the molecular basis of stress tolerance mediated by exogenous/endogenous H2S. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the beneficial roles of H2S in conferring multiple abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Further, we also discuss the interaction and crosstalk between H2S and other signal molecules; as well as highlighting some genetic engineering-based current and future directions.

Automated summary

Abiotic stresses caused by climate change are a major reason for global crop losses, impairing physiological, biochemical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms in plants. Plants have evolved adaptations and defense mechanisms to counteract these stresses. Recent research indicates that signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental stress effects in plants by implementing various physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Further understanding and utilizing H2S's protective role through genetic engineering methods is necessary for enhancing stress tolerance in crops.