Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Signaling in Plant Stress Response

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) act as central decoders of transient cytosolic Ca2+ signatures generated by environmental stimuli. Each CDPK comprises an N-terminal kinase domain and C-terminal EF-hand Ca2+-binding motifs, enabling direct conversion of Ca2+ fluxes into phosphorylation of target proteins. In response to drought, salinity, cold or pathogen attack, activated CDPKs regulate ion channel conductance, activate stress-responsive transcription factors, modulate phytohormone synthesis and control reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. These activities culminate in stomatal closure, osmotic adjustment and expression of protective genes. CDPK networks often intersect with abscisic acid (ABA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades to fine-tune signal transduction. Comparative studies across Arabidopsis, rice, maize and cotton have revealed both conserved structural features and species-specific functional diversifications, underpinning adaptation to diverse agroecological contexts. Advances in phosphoproteomics, structural biology and genome editing are now illuminating CDPK substrate specificity and regulatory mechanisms, offering promising avenues for engineering stress tolerance in crops.

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Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Signaling in Plant Stress Response publication trend

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Technical terms

Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK): A plant serine/threonine kinase with intrinsic Ca2+-binding domains that decodes cytosolic Ca2+ signals into phosphorylation events.

Secondary messenger: An intracellular molecule, such as Ca2+, that relays signals from membrane receptors to downstream effectors.

Phosphorylation: The enzymatic addition of a phosphate group to a protein, altering its activity, interactions or localisation.

Abiotic stress: Adverse non-living environmental factors—such as drought, salinity or extreme temperatures—that challenge plant growth and productivity.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen-derived molecules involved in cellular signalling and defence but damaging at excessive concentrations.

Abscisic acid (ABA): A phytohormone that regulates stomatal aperture and stress-responsive gene expression in response to water deficit and other environmental cues.

References

1. Caffeine Produced in Rice Plants Provides Tolerance to Water-Deficit Stress. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Insights on Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases (CPKs) Signaling for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2019).
3. Calcium-dependent protein kinases in cotton: insights into early plant responses to salt stress. BMC Plant Biology (2018).