Unraveling the multifaceted role of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins: integrators of trichome development and abiotic stress adaptation in plants

C2H2-type zinc finger proteins function as important transcriptional regulators in plants, facilitating the integration of developmental processes and environmental stress responses. This review demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the classification, structure, and functional domains of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins, with particular emphasis on their dual roles in trichome development and abiotic stress adaptation. We described the role of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins in regulating unicellular and multicellular trichome formation in Arabidopsis and other plant species. Furthermore, the review summarized the role of these proteins in mediating plant responses to diverse abiotic stresses, including drought, oxidative, cold, heat and salinity stress. Under drought conditions, C2H2 type zinc finger proteins are known to enhance water retention and antioxidant activity; whereas during salt stress, they modulate the expression of protective genes and maintain ionic balance. Additionally, the interplay between C2H2-type zinc finger proteins and phytohormones, such as ABA and auxin, elucidated their integral role in stress signaling networks. This review explored into the molecular cross-talk between trichome development and stress response pathways, underscoring the versatility and regulatory complexity of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms by which C2H2-type zinc finger proteins improve trichome development and enhance stress tolerance will facilitate the breeding and genetic engineering of crops with improved traits.