Epigenetic mechanisms regulating plant responses to abiotic stress and their role in developing climate resilient crops
J. Bevin Nishanth, Baburao Gaddala, S. Suji, P. Rifa Fathima, A. Premkumar, Balasankar Karavadi, Rakesh Kumar, J. Iyyappan, Yuvaraj Dinakarkumar
Abstract
Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes are major constraints to global crop productivity and food security. Plants respond to these factors through epigenetic modifications, chromatin remodelling, and transcriptional reprogramming that dynamically regulate gene activity and stress memory. This review synthesizes current knowledge on DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin remodelling, emphasizing the enzymes, protein complexes, and stress-responsive genes that illustrate their roles in abiotic stress adaptation. A comparative synthesis across model and crop species, including Arabidopsis, rice, maize, and wheat, reveals both conserved and species-specific patterns of epigenetic regulation, as well as major knowledge gaps. We also examine recent advances in genome and epigenome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and their application in crop stress resilience. Beyond molecular insights, the review highlights socio-economic and ethical considerations, contrasting regulatory landscapes in India and globally. By integrating molecular mechanisms with applied perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive resource to guide future research and crop improvement strategies for climate-resilient agriculture.