FREE LECTURE: Redox regulation of growth and stress tolerance

The cellular redox hub integrates information from metabolism and the environment to fine-tune plant growth and defence in relation to biotic and abiotic challenges and developmental requirements. Perturbations in cellular redox homeostasis have a decisive input into transcriptional control within the cell nucleus.

While it has long been known that oxidants and antioxidants exert a strong influence on plant growth and defence, little information has been available concerning the precise functions of each of the components, or the interactions between redox signalling pathways and plant hormone signalling pathways. New insights have recently been gained into why leaves and other plant organs accumulate very high levels of ascorbate, particularly in relation to how this vitamin interacts with the signalling pathways of the stress hormone abscisic acid.

Similarities in the redox control of cell proliferation are observed in animals and plants. Findings about the role of glutathione in both kingdoms highlight the importance of redox processes in almost every aspect of plant biology, and provide a better understanding of how redox regulation plays a fundamental role in plant performance and resilience.