Crucial Roles of Brassinosteroids in Cell Wall Composition and Structure
Across Species: New Insights and Biotechnological Applications.
Abstract
Brassinosteroids (BR) are small endogenous phytohormones that are key
regulators of plant growth, development, and stress resistance. They
fulfil this role partially by modulating cell wall structure and
composition through the control of genes involved in primary and
secondary cell wall biosynthesis and metabolism. This affects the
deposition of cellulose, lignin, and other components, and modifies the
inner architecture of the wall, allowing it to adapt to the
developmental status and environmental conditions. Here, we review the
role of BR in cell wall modifications, highlighting recently described
functions of BR in model plants in development and growth, such as cell
layers interaction to regulate coordinated growth and tissue development
for organ shape, skotomorphogenesis, and regulation of gravitropism for
the orientation of plant growth direction against gravity. We also
discuss the potential use of BR in crops to address current problems
such as the need to maintain crop yield, quality, and wood production
while increasing stress resistance. Among these approaches are the
modification of BR biosynthesis and upregulated BR signalling, leading
to increased crop development or wood deposition. We will also highlight
how the use of exogenous BR applications can promote BR-related
responses to improve plant fitness and productivity.