C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins in Abiotic Stress Responses
Summary
C2H2 zinc finger proteins constitute one of the largest families of transcription factors in plants, characterised by conserved motifs of two cysteine and two histidine residues that coordinate a zinc ion. These proteins function as both activators and repressors of gene expression, modulating responses to drought, salinity, cold and oxidative stress. Many members carry an ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) domain, enabling transcriptional repression. By integrating hormone signalling pathways—particularly abscisic acid—and reactive oxygen species homeostasis, C2H2 proteins orchestrate protective gene networks. Their ability to form regulatory modules and engage in stress-signal crosstalk has made them prime targets for crop improvement strategies aimed at enhancing resilience to environmental extremes.
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Technical terms
C2H2 zinc finger protein: A transcription factor bearing two conserved cysteine and two histidine residues that coordinate a zinc ion, enabling sequence-specific DNA binding.
EAR domain: A short peptide motif (ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression) that mediates transcriptional repression by recruiting co-repressor complexes.
Transcription factor: A protein that binds regulatory DNA sequences to activate or repress the transcription of target genes.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen, including hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, that serve as signalling molecules in stress responses but can cause cellular damage at high levels.
References
- Transcription factors MhDREB2A/MhZAT10 play a role in drought and cold stress response crosstalk in apple. Plant Physiology (2023).
- C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins Response to Abiotic Stress in Plants. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).
- C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins: Master Regulators of Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants. Frontiers in Plant Science (2020).
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