The CBL–CIPK network mediates different signaling pathways in plants

The calcineurin B-like protein–CBL-interacting protein kinase (CBL–CIPK) signaling pathway in plants is a Ca2+-related pathway that responds strongly to both abiotic and biotic environmental stimuli. The CBL–CIPK system shows variety, specificity, and complexity in response to different stresses, and the CBL–CIPK signaling pathway is regulated by complex mechanisms in plant cells. As a plant-specific Ca2+ sensor relaying pathway, the CBL–CIPK pathway has some crosstalk with other signaling pathways. In addition, research has shown that there is crosstalk between the CBL–CIPK pathway and the low-K+ response pathway, the ABA signaling pathway, the nitrate sensing and signaling pathway, and others. In this paper, we summarize and review research discoveries on the CBL–CIPK network. We focus on the different modification and regulation mechanisms (phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, dual lipid modification) of the CBL–CIPK network, the expression patterns and functions of CBL–CIPK network genes, the responses of this network to abiotic stresses, and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways. We also discuss the technical research methods used to analyze the CBL–CIPK network and some of its newly discovered functions in plants.