Molecular Role of Melatonin in Regulating Abiotic Stress Adaptive Responses in Plants

Melatonin (Mel) is highly conserved and stress regulator molecule in plants and regulates several key physiological mechanisms relating to growth and development under abiotic stress conditions. Given that, abiotic stress conditions significantly reduce plant growth, thus it is imperative to improve abiotic stress tolerance in plants. This mini-review specifically dissects the role of genes relating to Mel-biosynthesis and metabolism in regulating abiotic stress adaptive responses. Literature analysis showed that the overexpression of different genes relating to Mel-biosynthesis or Mel metabolism regulate abiotic stress tolerance by regulating ROS production and activation of antioxidant, ionic homeostasis, hormonal regulation, and activation of stress responsive genes. Nonetheless, the regulation of such stress adaptive responses is highly plant species-specific, abiotic stress type, and Mel-related genes. The role of phytomelatonin receptor 1-Mel receptor in plants, in regulating abiotic stress tolerance has also been briefly discussed. Therefore, we entrusted that this article improved our understanding the molecular role of Mel in regulating abiotic stress adaptive responses.