Cytokinin Signaling in Plant Development and Stress Response
Summary
Cytokinins are a class of adenine-derived phytohormones that orchestrate a multitude of processes in plant growth, organogenesis and environmental adaptation. Biosynthesis of active cytokinins is catalysed by isopentenyltransferases, while inactivation and degradation are mediated by cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase enzymes. Perception occurs through membrane-associated histidine kinase receptors that initiate a multistep phosphorelay: phosphoryl groups are transferred via histidine phosphotransfer proteins to nuclear type-B response regulators, which in turn activate or repress target genes. This two-component signalling system underpins the regulation of shoot apical meristem maintenance, leaf and flower organogenesis, root architecture and nutrient allocation. Cytokinins also engage in extensive crosstalk with other hormones—most notably auxin and abscisic acid—to fine-tune developmental programmes. Under abiotic and biotic stress, modulation of cytokinin levels and signalling dynamics contributes to drought tolerance, delayed senescence, maintenance of photosynthetic efficiency and optimisation of root–shoot resource exchange. Emerging evidence highlights the potential for targeted manipulation of cytokinin biosynthesis and signalling components to enhance crop resilience and yield under challenging environmental conditions.
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Cytokinin Signaling in Plant Development and Stress Response publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cytokinin signaling in plant development and stress response across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Cytokinin: Plant hormone regulating cell division, differentiation and organ formation.
Two-component signalling: Phosphorelay system involving histidine kinases, phosphotransfer proteins and response regulators.
Phosphorelay: Sequential transfer of a phosphate group through multiple signalling proteins.
Response regulator: Transcription factor activated by phosphorylation in cytokinin signalling.
Crosstalk: Interaction between distinct signalling pathways to integrate developmental and environmental information.
Abiotic stress: Non-living environmental challenges such as drought, salinity or extreme temperatures.
References
- Root-Specific Reduction of Cytokinin Causes Enhanced Root Growth, Drought Tolerance, and Leaf Mineral Enrichment in Arabidopsis and Tobacco. The Plant Cell (2010).
- Cytokinin cross-talking during biotic and abiotic stress responses. Frontiers in Plant Science (2013).
- Identification of Genes Encoding Adenylate Isopentenyltransferase, a Cytokinin Biosynthesis Enzyme, inArabidopsis thaliana *. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2001).
- Cytokinin-Dependent Photorespiration and the Protection of Photosynthesis during Water Deficit. Plant Physiology (2009).
- Plants under Stress: Involvement of Auxin and Cytokinin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).
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