Glutathione Pathways and Gene Networks: Central Players in Crop Adaptation to Environmental Stresses
Aparupa Bose Mazumdar, Sharmila Chattopadhyay
Abstract
Glutathione, a ubiquitous tripeptide, plays a pivotal role in plant defense by maintaining redox homeostasis, detoxifying reactive oxygen species, and regulating stress-responsive signaling pathways. Beyond its antioxidant functions, GSH is involved in key physiological processes, including growth, development, and regulation of metabolism. This review examines the central role of the glutathione pathway and its associated enzymes γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione synthetase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, in enhancing tolerance to a broad spectrum of abiotic and biotic stressors across diverse crop species. Drawing on research from the past decade, we systematically analyze glutathione-mediated responses in major crop groups, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, oilseeds, industrial, and beverage crops. Particular attention is given to how GSH-linked genes and enzymes contribute to oxidative stress mitigation, hormone cross-talk, detoxification of xenobiotics and pollutants, and overall redox regulation during environmental stresses. The review underscores the multifunctional and crop-specific roles of the GSH pathway in plant resilience to both biotic and abiotic stresses. By consolidating advances in functional genomics, molecular biology, and stress physiology, this study provides a valuable resource for researchers and breeders aiming to enhance crop performance, sustainability, and food security in the face of intensifying environmental challenges.