Plants encounter various stresses in their natural environments and can effectively respond to only one stress at a time. Through a complex gene network, transcription factors (TFs) such as WRKY TFs regulate a diverse array of stress responses. The clarification of the structural characteristics of WRKY proteins, along with recent advancements in molecular dynamics simulations, has shed light on the formation, stability, and interactions of DNA–protein complexes. This has provided a novel viewpoint regarding the control of WRKY TFs. The investigation of superfamilies, encompassing their historical development, diversity, and evolutionary patterns, has become feasible due to the transcriptome approach’s capacity to provide extensive and comprehensive transcripts. The significance of WRKY TFs lies in their pivotal role within several signaling cascades and regulatory networks that influence plant defense responses. The present review summarizes the functional aspects of the high-volume sequence data of WRKY TFs from different species studied to date. Moreover, a comparative analysis approach was utilized to determine the functions of the identified WRKY TFs in response to both abiotic and biotic stresses, as revealed through numerous studies on different plant species. The results of this review will be pivotal in understanding evolutionary events and the significance of WRKY TFs in the context of climate change, incorporating new scientific evidence to propose an innovative viewpoint.

Saline and alkaline stresses limit plant growth and reduce crop yield. Soil salinization and alkalization seriously threaten the sustainable development of agriculture and the virtuous cycle of ecology. Biofertilizers made from plant growth−promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) not only enhance plant growth and stress tolerance, but also are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. There have been many studies on the mechanisms underlying PGPRs enhancing plant salt resistance. However, there is limited knowledge about the interaction between PGPR and plants under alkaline–sodic stress. To clarify the mechanisms underlying PGPR’s improvement of plants’ tolerance to alkaline–sodic stress, we screened PGPR from the rhizosphere microorganisms of local plants growing in alkaline–sodic land and selected an efficient strain, Bacillus altitudinis AD13−4, as the research object. Our results indicate that the strain AD13−4 can produce various growth-promoting substances to regulate plant endogenous hormone levels, cell division and differentiation, photosynthesis, antioxidant capacity, etc. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the strain AD13−4 significantly affected metabolism and secondary metabolism, signal transduction, photosynthesis, redox processes, and plant–pathogen interactions. Under alkaline–sodic conditions, inoculation of the strain AD13−4 significantly improved plant biomass and the contents of metabolites (e.g., soluble proteins and sugars) as well as secondary metabolites (e.g., phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results indicated that the strain AD13−4 significantly affected the abundance and composition of the rhizospheric microbiota and improved soil activities and physiochemical properties. Our study provides theoretical support for the optimization of saline–alkali-tolerant PGPR and valuable information for elucidating the mechanism of plant alkaline–sodic tolerance.

Cold and freezing stress is one of the most harmful environmental stresses, especially in temperate and subtropical areas, that adversely affects plant growth, development, and yield production. Betula platyphylla Sukaczev, also known as white birch, is one of the most valuable, important, and widely distributed tree species in East Asia. This study explored the effects of cold acclimation (CA) in reducing the destructive effect of freezing stress in B. platyphylla seedlings. We measured the physiological and biochemical characteristics of B. platyphylla seedlings, such as chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), and proline content before and after freezing stress to observe the contribution of CA in reducing the detrimental effects of freezing stress. The results showed that CA increased physiological and biochemical characteristics of B. platyphylla seedlings before and after freezing stress, except for chlorophyll content. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly positively correlated with proline, MDA, and EL content, and negatively correlated with chlorophyll content. Moreover, histochemical detection (H₂O₂ and O₂⁻) and cell death were revealed to be induced by cold stress in B. platyphylla seedlings. Furthermore, it was revealed that increased time and decreased temperature of the CA process significantly influenced the physiological and biochemical parameters. Overall, the CA process significantly reduced the detrimental effects of freezing stress compared to the control treatment in B. platyphylla seedlings. Taken together, these findings provide beneficial information toward understanding the mechanism of CA and freezing stress in B. platyphylla. Furthermore, the substantial activity of physiological and biochemical results could be used as selection criteria for screening time and temperature points of cold/freezing stress in further omics analyses. In addition, the combination of current study results, further omics analyses, and genetic engineering techniques directly contribute to sustainable forest management systems, tree plantations, and conservation of tree species, especially non-cold/non-freezing tolerant tree species.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated metabolic condition with insulin resistance and poor glucose metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates the significance of (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (Pink1) in the progression of diseases. Pink1 encodes a protein kinase, which regulates and maintains mitochondrial activity, this mostly affects mitophagy and energy generation. Mutations in the Pink1 gene have been associated to oxidative stress, mitochondrial malfunction, and impaired cellular energy output. The presence of insulin resistance and T2DM may be caused by each of these characteristics. To understand Pink1 potential function in the development of diabetes, this review paper investigates the molecular mechanisms through which it influences glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. Based on preclinical investigations, there is potential for developing innovative therapeutic strategies that specifically target Pink1. These strategies could aim to regulate insulin resistance, improve glucose metabolism, and preserve beta-cell function among individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The following areas of research include figuring out how precisely Pink1 functions in diabetes, translating preclinical findings into clinical settings, exploring precision medicine approaches that specifically target Pink1, and identifying possible therapeutic targets within the Pink1 pathway. This review aims to enhance our understanding of Pink1 impact on T2DM and develop personalized treatments for metabolic disorders. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of persisting with this type of investigation to enhance diabetes treatment strategies.

Heart aging involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences, leading to a gradual deterioration of cardiovascular integrity and function. Age-related physiological changes, including ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, are influenced by key mechanisms like autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive antioxidants in mitigating heart aging. These compounds, often rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, exhibit notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Through a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, this work highlights the mechanisms associated with heart aging and the promising effects of plant-derived antioxidants. The findings may helpful for researchers in identifying specific molecules with therapeutic and preventive potential for cardiovascular aging.