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Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 10645

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Dr. Mateusz Labudda

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Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms of plant responses to pathogens and pests especially reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants; sugars as signaling molecules; regulation of proteolysis and nitrogen metabolism; additional research topics concern the plant abiotic stress especially metallic trace elements and mechanisms of combined stresses
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Prof. Dr. Philippe Jeandet

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Research Unit “Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection”, RIBP-USC INRAe 1488, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France
Interests: phytoalexins; chemistry of natural products; secondary metabolites; plant defences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Plant’s reactions to abiotic stresses are extraordinarily complex. They take place at various levels of plant organization, starting from changes in biochemical processes, such as respiration, photosynthesis, and transpiration, and ending during morphological and anatomical changes in plants’ organs. However, these above-mentioned changes are preceded by the activation of efficient molecular signaling machinery, which ensures that plants tune in to external abiotic stimuli.

This Special Issue requests original and review papers concerning hormonal and sugar signaling, reactive oxygen–nitrogen–sulfur species interactions, cascades of kinases, transcription factors, and changes in gene expression and gene expression regulation in response to abiotic stresses operating separately, simultaneously or sequentially. We invite publications in the fields of cold, heat, frost, cold wave, heat wave, air quality and pollution, UV radiation, light quality, and other atmospheric factors. Submitted manuscripts must look at clear abiotic stress signaling aspects at the molecular level, which should be reflected not only in the presented results, but also in their discussions. We also encourage the submission of manuscripts from the developing discipline of molecular biology, namely interactomics describing molecular interactions between molecules belonging to different biochemical groups (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates) and within a given group.

We also encourage you to familiarize yourself with the related Special Issue which we focus on “Molecular Advance in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Edaphic Stressors”.

Dr. Mateusz Labudda
Prof. Dr. Philippe Jeandet
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

abiotic stress
interactomics
gene expression regulation
kinases
oxidative stress
phytohormones
signaling, sugar sensing and signaling
transcription factors

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Corm Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field on Growth and Production of Saffron Metabolites in Crocus sativus

by Vida Mildažienė, Rasa Žūkienė, Laima Degutytė Fomins, Zita Naučienė, Rima Minkutė, Laurynas Jarukas, Iryna Drapak, Victoriya Georgiyants, Vitalij Novickij, Kazunori Koga, Masaharu Shiratani and Olha Mykhailenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10412; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910412 - 27 Sep 2024

Viewed by 206

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. is a widely cultivated traditional plant for obtaining dried red stigmas known as “saffron,” the most expensive spice in the world. The response of C. sativus to pre-sowing processing of corms with cold plasma (CP, 3 and 5 min), vacuum (3 min), and electromagnetic field (EMF, 5 min) was assessed to verify how such treatments affect plant performance and the quality and yield of herbal raw materials. The results show that applied physical stressors did not affect the viability of corms but caused stressor-dependent changes in the kinetics of sprouting, growth parameters, leaf trichome density, and secondary metabolite content in stigmas. The effect of CP treatment on plant growth and metabolite content was negative, but all stressors significantly (by 42–74%) increased the number of leaf trichomes. CP3 treatment significantly decreased the length and dry weight of flowers by 43% and 60%, respectively, while EMF treatment increased the length of flowers by 27%. However, longer CP treatment (5 min) delayed germination. Vacuum treatment improved the uniformity of germination by 28% but caused smaller changes in the content of stigma compounds compared with CP and EMF. Twenty-six compounds were identified in total in Crocus stigma samples by the HPLC-DAD method, including 23 crocins, rutin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Processing of Crocus corms with EMF showed the greatest efficiency in increasing the production of secondary metabolites in saffron. EMF increased the content of marker compounds in stigmas (crocin 4: from 8.95 to 431.17 mg/g; crocin 3: from 6.27 to 164.86 mg/g; picrocrocin: from 0.4 to 1.0 mg/g), although the observed effects on growth were neutral or slightly positive. The obtained findings indicate that treatment of C. sativus corms with EMF has the potential application for increasing the quality of saffron by enhancing the amounts of biologically active compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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12 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Singlet-Oxygen-Mediated Regulation of Photosynthesis-Specific Genes: A Role for Reactive Electrophiles in Signal Transduction

by Tina Pancheri, Theresa Baur and Thomas Roach

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158458 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 574

Abstract

During photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed, including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), which have putative roles in signalling, but their involvement in photosynthetic acclimation is unclear. Due to extreme reactivity and a short lifetime, ¹O₂ signalling occurs via its reaction products, such as oxidised poly-unsaturated fatty acids in thylakoid membranes. The resulting lipid peroxides decay to various aldehydes and reactive electrophile species (RES). Here, we investigated the role of ROS in the signal transduction of high light (HL), focusing on GreenCut2 genes unique to photosynthetic organisms. Using RNA seq. data, the transcriptional responses of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to 2 h HL were compared with responses under low light to exogenous RES (acrolein; 4-hydroxynonenal), β-cyclocitral, a β-carotene oxidation product, as well as Rose Bengal, a ¹O₂-producing photosensitiser, and H₂O₂. HL induced significant (p < 0.05) up- and down-regulation of 108 and 23 GreenCut2 genes, respectively. Of all HL up-regulated genes, over half were also up-regulated by RES, including RBCS1 (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit), NPQ-related PSBS1 and LHCSR1. Furthermore, 96% of the genes down-regulated by HL were also down-regulated by ¹O₂ or RES, including CAO1 (chlorophyllide-a oxygnease), MDH2 (NADP-malate dehydrogenase) and PGM4 (phosphoglycerate mutase) for glycolysis. In comparison, only 0–4% of HL-affected GreenCut2 genes were similarly affected by H₂O₂ or β-cyclocitral. Overall, ¹O₂ plays a significant role in signalling during the initial acclimation of C. reinhardtii to HL by up-regulating photo-protection and carbon assimilation and down-regulating specific primary metabolic pathways. Our data support that this pathway involves RES. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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16 pages, 2582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium Nanoparticle and Melatonin Treatments Improve Melon Seedling Growth by Regulating Carbohydrate and Polyamine

by Lu Kang, Yujiao Jia, Yangliu Wu, Hejiang Liu, Duoyong Zhao, Yanjun Ju, Canping Pan and Jiefei Mao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147830 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 586

Abstract

Bio-stimulants, such as selenium nanoparticles and melatonin, regulate melon growth. However, the effects of individual and combined applications of selenium nanoparticles and melatonin on the growth of melon seedlings have not been reported. Here, two melon cultivars were sprayed with selenium nanoparticles, melatonin, and a combined treatment, and physiological and biochemical properties were analyzed. The independent applications of selenium nanoparticles, melatonin, and their combination had no significant effects on the plant heights and stem diameters of Jiashi and Huangmengcui melons. Compared with the controls, both selenium nanoparticle and melatonin treatments increased soluble sugars (6–63%) and sucrose (11–88%) levels, as well as the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (171–237%) in melon leaves. The phenylalanine ammonia lyase (29–95%), trans cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (32–100%), and 4-coumaric acid CoA ligase (26–113%), as well as mRNA levels, also increased in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway. Combining the selenium nanoparticles and melatonin was more effective than either of the single treatments. In addition, the levels of superoxide dismutase (43–130%), catalase (14–43%), ascorbate peroxidase (44–79%), peroxidase (25–149%), and mRNA in melon leaves treated with combined selenium nanoparticles and melatonin were higher than in controls. The results contribute to our understanding of selenium nanoparticles and melatonin as bio-stimulants that improve the melon seedlings’ growth by regulating carbohydrate, polyamine, and antioxidant capacities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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17 pages, 3526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin-Regulated Chaperone Binding Protein Plays a Key Role in Cadmium Stress Tolerance in Rice, Revealed by the Functional Characterization of a Novel Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase 3 (SNAT3) in Rice

by Hyoung-Yool Lee and Kyoungwhan Back

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115952 - 29 May 2024

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Abstract

The study of the mechanisms by which melatonin protects against cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants is still in its infancy, particularly at the molecular level. In this study, the gene encoding a novel serotonin N-acetyltransferase 3 (SNAT3) in rice, a pivotal enzyme in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway, was cloned. Rice (Oryza sativa) OsSNAT3 is the first identified plant ortholog of archaeon Thermoplasma volcanium SNAT. The purified recombinant OsSNAT3 catalyzed the conversion of serotonin and 5-methoxytryptamine to N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, respectively. The suppression of OsSNAT3 by RNAi led to a decline in endogenous melatonin levels followed by a reduction in Cd tolerance in transgenic RNAi rice lines. In addition, the expression levels of genes encoding the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones BiP3, BiP4, and BiP5 were much lower in RNAi lines than in the wild type. In transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsSNAT3 (SNAT3-OE), however, melatonin levels were higher than in wild-type plants. SNAT3-OE plants also tolerated Cd stress, as indicated by seedling growth, malondialdehyde, and chlorophyll levels. BiP4 expression was much higher in the SNAT3-OE lines than in the wild type. These results indicate that melatonin engineering could help crops withstand Cd stress, resulting in high yields in Cd-contaminated fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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25 pages, 4853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Proteomic Responses of the Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia L. to High CO₂ Levels

by Jianxin Li, Subin Zhang, Pei Lei, Liyong Guo, Xiyang Zhao and Fanjuan Meng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105262 - 11 May 2024

Viewed by 907

Abstract

The increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration is a significant factor in triggering global warming. CO₂ is essential for plant photosynthesis, but excessive CO₂ can negatively impact photosynthesis and its associated physiological and biochemical processes. The tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia L., a superior and improved variety, exhibits high tolerance to abiotic stress. In this study, we investigated the physiological and proteomic response mechanisms of the tetraploid R. pseudoacacia under high CO₂ treatment. The results of our physiological and biochemical analyses revealed that a 5% high concentration of CO₂ hindered the growth and development of the tetraploid R. pseudoacacia and caused severe damage to the leaves. Additionally, it significantly reduced photosynthetic parameters such as Pn, Gs, Tr, and Ci, as well as respiration. The levels of chlorophyll (Chl a and b) and the fluorescent parameters of chlorophyll (Fm, Fv/Fm, qP, and ETR) also significantly decreased. Conversely, the levels of ROS (H₂O₂ and O₂^·−) were significantly increased, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GR, and APX) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, high CO₂ induced stomatal closure by promoting the accumulation of ROS and NO in guard cells. Through a proteomic analysis, we identified a total of 1652 DAPs after high CO₂ treatment. GO functional annotation revealed that these DAPs were mainly associated with redox activity, catalytic activity, and ion binding. KEGG analysis showed an enrichment of DAPs in metabolic pathways, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and photosynthetic pathways. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the adaptation mechanisms of the tetraploid R. pseudoacacia to high CO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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19 pages, 5050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of the WRKY Family in Angiosperms and Functional Diversity under Environmental Stress

by Weihuang Wu, Jinchang Yang, Niu Yu, Rongsheng Li, Zaixiang Yuan, Jisen Shi and Jinhui Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063551 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136

Abstract

The transcription factor is an essential factor for regulating the responses of plants to external stimuli. The WRKY protein is a superfamily of plant transcription factors involved in response to various stresses (e.g., cold, heat, salt, drought, ions, pathogens, and insects). During angiosperm evolution, the number and function of WRKY transcription factors constantly change. After suffering from long-term environmental battering, plants of different evolutionary statuses ultimately retained different numbers of WRKY family members. The WRKY family of proteins is generally divided into three large categories of angiosperms, owing to their conserved domain and three-dimensional structures. The WRKY transcription factors mediate plant adaptation to various environments via participating in various biological pathways, such as ROS (reactive oxygen species) and hormone signaling pathways, further regulating plant enzyme systems, stomatal closure, and leaf shrinkage physiological responses. This article analyzed the evolution of the WRKY family in angiosperms and its functions in responding to various external environments, especially the function and evolution in Magnoliaceae plants. It helps to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution and functional diversity of the WRKY family and provides theoretical and experimental references for studying the molecular mechanisms of environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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13 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

METACASPASE8 (MC8) Is a Crucial Protein in the LSD1-Dependent Cell Death Pathway in Response to Ultraviolet Stress

by Maciej Jerzy Bernacki, Anna Rusaczonek, Kinga Gołębiewska, Agata Barbara Majewska-Fala, Weronika Czarnocka and Stanisław Mariusz Karpiński

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063195 - 11 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1368

Abstract

LESION-SIMULATING DISEASE1 (LSD1) is one of the well-known cell death regulatory proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. The lsd1 mutant exhibits runaway cell death (RCD) in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The phenotype of the lsd1 mutant strongly depends on two other proteins, ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) and PHYTOALEXIN-DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4) as well as on the synthesis/metabolism/signaling of salicylic acid (SA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the most interesting aspect of the lsd1 mutant is its conditional-dependent RCD phenotype, and thus, the defined role and function of LSD1 in the suppression of EDS1 and PAD4 in controlled laboratory conditions is different in comparison to a multivariable field environment. Analysis of the lsd1 mutant transcriptome in ambient laboratory and field conditions indicated that there were some candidate genes and proteins that might be involved in the regulation of the lsd1 conditional-dependent RCD phenotype. One of them is METACASPASE 8 (AT1G16420). This type II metacaspase was described as a cell death-positive regulator induced by UV-C irradiation and ROS accumulation. In the double mc8/lsd1 mutant, we discovered reversion of the lsd1 RCD phenotype in response to UV radiation applied in controlled laboratory conditions. This cell death deregulation observed in the lsd1 mutant was reverted like in double mutants of lsd1/eds1 and lsd1/pad4. To summarize, in this work, we demonstrated that MC8 is positively involved in EDS1 and PAD4 conditional-dependent regulation of cell death when LSD1 function is suppressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Thus, we identified a new protein compound of the conditional LSD1-EDS1-PAD4 regulatory hub. We proposed a working model of MC8 involvement in the regulation of cell death and we postulated that MC8 is a crucial protein in this regulatory pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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16 pages, 10071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RNAi-Mediated Suppression of OsBBTI5 Promotes Salt Stress Tolerance in Rice

by Zhimin Lin, Xiaoyan Yi, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Lijuan Zhang, Shaojuan Wang, Shengnan Tian and Faxing Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021284 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1321

Abstract

This study explores the impact of RNAi in terms of selectively inhibiting the expression of the OsBBTI5 gene, with the primary objective of uncovering its involvement in the molecular mechanisms associated with salt tolerance in rice. OsBBTI5, belonging to the Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) family gene, is known for its involvement in plant stress responses. The gene was successfully cloned from rice, exhibiting transcriptional self-activation in yeast. A yeast two-hybrid assay confirmed its specific binding to OsAPX2 (an ascorbate peroxidase gene). Transgenic OsBBTI5-RNAi plants displayed insensitivity to varying concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide in the brassinosteroid sensitivity assay. However, they showed reduced root and plant height at high concentrations (10 and 100 µM) of GA₃ immersion. Enzyme activity assays revealed increased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content under 40-60 mM NaCl. Transcriptomic analysis indicated a significant upregulation of photosynthesis-related genes in transgenic plants under salt stress compared to the wild type. Notably, this study provides novel insights, suggesting that the BBI gene is part of the BR signaling pathway, and that OsBBTI5 potentially enhances stress tolerance in transgenic plants through interaction with the salt stress-related gene OsAPX2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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Review

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13 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Leaf Volatiles: A New Player in the Protection against Abiotic Stresses?

by Jurgen Engelberth

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179471 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 365

Abstract

To date, the role of green leaf volatiles (GLVs) has been mainly constrained to protecting plants against pests and pathogens. However, increasing evidence suggests that among the stresses that can significantly harm plants, GLVs can also provide significant protection against heat, cold, drought, light, and salinity stress. But while the molecular basis for this protection is still largely unknown, it seems obvious that a common theme in the way GLVs work is that most, if not all, of these stresses are associated with physical damage to the plants, which, in turn, is the major event responsible for the production of GLVs. Here, I summarize the current state of knowledge on GLVs and abiotic stresses and provide a model explaining the multifunctionality of these compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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19 pages, 2710 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Histone Acetyltransferases Shape Plant Photomorphogenesis and UV Response

by Irina Boycheva, Georgi Bonchev, Vasilissa Manova, Lubomir Stoilov and Valya Vassileva

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147851 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1057

Abstract

Higher plants have developed complex mechanisms to adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions with light playing a vital role in photosynthesis and influencing various developmental processes, including photomorphogenesis. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause cellular damage, necessitating effective DNA repair mechanisms. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play a crucial role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression, thereby contributing to the repair mechanisms. HATs facilitate chromatin relaxation, enabling transcriptional activation necessary for plant development and stress responses. The intricate relationship between HATs, light signaling pathways and chromatin dynamics has been increasingly understood, providing valuable insights into plant adaptability. This review explores the role of HATs in plant photomorphogenesis, chromatin remodeling and gene regulation, highlighting the importance of chromatin modifications in plant responses to light and various stressors. It emphasizes the need for further research on individual HAT family members and their interactions with other epigenetic factors. Advanced genomic approaches and genome-editing technologies offer promising avenues for enhancing crop resilience and productivity through targeted manipulation of HAT activities. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to improve plant growth and stress tolerance, contributing to sustainable agriculture in the face of a changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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17 pages, 1606 KiB

Open AccessReview

Association between Reactive Oxygen Species, Transcription Factors, and Candidate Genes in Drought-Resistant Sorghum

by Jiao Liu, Xin Wang, Hao Wu, Yiming Zhu, Irshad Ahmad, Guichun Dong, Guisheng Zhou and Yanqing Wu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126464 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 650

Abstract

Drought stress is one of the most severe natural disasters in terms of its frequency, length, impact intensity, and associated losses, making it a significant threat to agricultural productivity. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a C4 plant, shows a wide range of morphological, physiological, and biochemical adaptations in response to drought stress, paving the way for it to endure harsh environments. In arid environments, sorghum exhibits enhanced water uptake and reduced dissipation through its morphological activity, allowing it to withstand drought stress. Sorghum exhibits physiological and biochemical resistance to drought, primarily by adjusting its osmotic potential, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and changing the activities of its antioxidant enzymes. In addition, certain sorghum genes exhibit downregulation capabilities in response to drought stress. Therefore, in the current review, we explore drought tolerance in sorghum, encompassing its morphological characteristics and physiological mechanisms and the identification and selection of its functional genes. The use of modern biotechnological and molecular biological approaches to improving sorghum resistance is critical for selecting and breeding drought-tolerant sorghum varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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15 pages, 1973 KiB

Open AccessReview

NO and H₂S Contribute to Crop Resilience against Atmospheric Stressors

by Francisco J. Corpas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063509 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 936

Abstract

Atmospheric stressors include a variety of pollutant gases such as CO₂, nitrous oxide (NOx), and sulfurous compounds which could have a natural origin or be generated by uncontrolled human activity. Nevertheless, other atmospheric elements including high and low temperatures, ozone (O₃), UV-B radiation, or acid rain among others can affect, at different levels, a large number of plant species, particularly those of agronomic interest. Paradoxically, both nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), until recently were considered toxic since they are part of the polluting gases; however, at present, these molecules are part of the mechanism of response to multiple stresses since they exert signaling functions which usually have an associated stimulation of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. At present, these gasotransmitters are considered essential components of the defense against a wide range of environmental stresses including atmospheric ones. This review aims to provide an updated vision of the endogenous metabolism of NO and H₂S in plant cells and to deepen how the exogenous application of these compounds can contribute to crop resilience, particularly, against atmospheric stressors stimulating antioxidant systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants: Focus on Atmospheric Stressors)

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