Molecular Evolution and Interaction of 14-3-3 Proteins with H+-ATPases in Plant Abiotic Stresses

Environmental stresses severely affect plant growth and crop productivity. Regulated by 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3s), H + -ATPases (AHA) are important proton pumps that can induce diverse secondary transport via channels and co-transporters for the abiotic stress response of plants. Many studies demonstrated the roles of 14-3-3s and AHAs in coordinating the processes of plant growth, phytohormone signaling, and stress responses. However, the molecular evolution of 14-3-3s and AHAs has not been summarized in parallel with insights across multiple plant species. Here, we review the roles of 14-3-3s and AHAs in cell signaling to enhance plant responses to diverse environmental stresses. We analyzed the molecular evolution of key proteins that are associated with 14-3-3s and AHAs in plant growth and hormone signaling. The results revealed evolution, duplication, contraction, and expansion of 14-3-3s and AHAs in green plants. We also discussed the stress-specific expression of those 14-3-3s and AHAs in a eudicot ( Arabidopsis thaliana ), a monocot ( Hordeum vulgare ) and a moss ( Physcomitrium patens ) under abiotic stresses. We propose that 14-3-3s and H + -ATPases respond to abiotic stresses through many important targets and signaling components of phytohormones, which could be promising to improve plant tolerance to single or multiple environmental stresses. Highlight We review the response and adaptation of 14-3-3s and AHAs to diverse environmental stimuli and we analyze the evolutionary features and molecular functions of 14-3-3s and AHAs.