Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Proteins in Plant Stress Responses

Glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GRPs) constitute a specialised subfamily of RNA-binding proteins characterised by glycine-rich regions interspersed with conserved RNA-binding domains. In plants, these proteins are central to the post-transcriptional control of gene expression, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. GRPs participate in mRNA processing, stability and localisation, as well as alternative splicing and translational regulation. Their glycine-rich stretches often confer flexibility, enabling interactions with diverse RNA targets, while RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) or cold shock domains (CSDs) mediate sequence-specific binding. Functionally, GRPs have been implicated in the acquisition of tolerance to abiotic stresses such as low temperature, drought and high salinity. They can act as RNA chaperones, resolving unfavourable secondary structures in transcripts, or modulate the half-life of stress-responsive messages. Through these activities, GRPs influence key physiological processes including hormone signalling, stomatal regulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and ionic balance. The breadth of GRP functions is reflected in the classification into multiple subclasses; of these, class IV members with defined RRMs are particularly prominent in abiotic stress responses. Genetic studies have shown that overexpression or suppression of specific GRP genes can enhance or impair tolerance, respectively, underscoring their potential as targets for crop improvement. Emerging evidence also points to interplay between GRPs and microRNA-mediated regulatory modules, further integrating them into broader stress signalling networks. Overall, GRPs represent versatile post-transcriptional regulators that orchestrate rapid and adaptive changes in gene expression, thereby bolstering plant resilience to environmental challenges.

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Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Proteins in Plant Stress Responses publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in glycine-rich rna-binding proteins in plant stress responses across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Glycine-rich RNA-binding protein (GRP): A plant protein containing glycine-rich stretches and RNA-binding domains, involved in post-transcriptional regulation under stress.

Abiotic stress: Environmental factors such as drought, salinity or temperature extremes that negatively impact plant growth and productivity.

RNA recognition motif (RRM): A conserved protein domain that binds RNA with sequence specificity, facilitating post-transcriptional control.

RNA chaperone: A protein that assists in the correct folding or remodelling of RNA structures without the direct consumption of metabolic energy.

Alternative splicing: A process by which different combinations of exons are joined in a single pre-mRNA, generating multiple distinct mRNA and protein isoforms.

References

1. BpGRP1 acts downstream of BpmiR396c/BpGRF3 to confer salt tolerance in Betula platyphylla. Plant Biotechnology Journal (2023).
2. Populus euphratica GRP2 Interacts with Target mRNAs to Negatively Regulate Salt Tolerance by Interfering with Photosynthesis, Na+, and ROS Homeostasis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
3. Plant Glycine-Rich Proteins in Stress Response: An Emerging, Still Prospective Story. Frontiers in Plant Science (2018).