Cellular Mechanisms of the Formation of Plant Adaptive Responses to High Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, whose effect on plants has been especially enhanced in recent decades, are among the most dangerous stress abiotic factors. The review analyzes the latest information on the mechanisms of hyperthermia signal reception by plant cells. The role of membrane fluidization, change in the state of calcium channels, and increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species in the perception of hyperthermia signals was considered. The significance of gasotransmitters (NO, H2S) and their interactions with other mediators in the transduction of heat stress signals to the cell nucleus were separately summarized. The role of key transcription factors (HSF, MBF, NAC, and WRKY) in the adaptation of plants to high temperatures was analyzed. Modern ideas about the mechanisms of activation and functioning of the main protective systems that provide plant resistance to hyperthermia (synthesis of heat shock proteins, antioxidant and osmoprotective systems) were summarized. The examples of genetic improvement of heat resistance of plants by transformation of the genes involved in the control of the indicated systems are given.