Molecular Mechanisms of Cold Stress Tolerance in Plants

In plants, exposure to low temperatures triggers a sophisticated network of molecular events that underpin cold stress tolerance. Cold acclimation begins with perception of temperature decline by membrane-associated sensors, leading to rapid calcium influx and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling. These early signals activate a cascade of protein kinases and transcription factors, notably the ICE-CBF-COR pathway, in which ICE proteins induce CBF genes and CBF proteins bind to CRT/DRE elements to drive expression of COR genes. COR gene products include antifreeze proteins, osmoprotectants and enzymes for ROS detoxification. Post-translational modifications and protein–protein interactions refine the activity of ICE and CBF factors, while cross-talk with hormonal, circadian and light signalling pathways ensures temporal and spatial precision. Parallel mechanisms such as flavonoid biosynthesis contribute membrane stabilisation and antioxidant capacity. Insights from transcriptomic, metabolomic and genetic studies across model and crop species have revealed both conserved and species-specific adaptations, offering targets for breeding and biotechnological approaches to enhance chilling and freezing resilience in agriculture.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A foundational study in Arabidopsis demonstrated that flavonoid accumulation during cold acclimation is functionally essential for freezing tolerance rather than a mere metabolic by-product. Genetic mutants impaired in flavonol or anthocyanin synthesis exhibited reduced membrane integrity and higher ROS levels under subzero conditions, whereas activation-tagged lines with elevated flavonoid content showed improved survival. This work established a direct mechanistic link between secondary metabolite pathways and the core cold-response network, reframing flavonoids as active participants in cold resilience.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cold Stress Tolerance in Plants publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in molecular mechanisms of cold stress tolerance in plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

ICE (Inducer of CBF Expression): Transcription factors that sense cold and activate CBF gene transcription.

CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor): Transcription factors that bind CRT/DRE motifs to induce COR genes during cold stress.

COR (Cold-Regulated) genes: Genes encoding proteins that protect cells under freezing conditions, including antifreeze proteins and osmolyte synthesising enzymes.

Cold acclimation: A physiological process where exposure to low non-freezing temperatures enhances subsequent freezing tolerance.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules generated under stress that can damage cells unless scavenged by antioxidants.

Flavonoids: Secondary metabolites that stabilise membranes and scavenge ROS, contributing to cold resilience.

References

1. MdNAC104 positively regulates apple cold tolerance via CBF‐dependent and CBF‐independent pathways. Plant Biotechnology Journal (2023).
2. Flavonoids are determinants of freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Scientific Reports (2016).
3. ICE-CBF-COR Signaling Cascade and Its Regulation in Plants Responding to Cold Stress. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).