G-proteins at the crossroads of signaling and stress tolerance in horticultural crops

Heterotrimeric G protein serves as a central hub in plant signal transduction, playing a pivotal role in integrating endogenous developmental signals and external environmental cues. While significant advances have been made in understanding G protein signaling mechanisms in model plants such as Arabidopsis and major crops like rice and maize, the precise regulatory roles in growth, development, and adaptation in horticultural crops are still poorly understood. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in uncovering both conserved and species-specific regulatory mechanisms of G protein signaling across diverse plant species. We also highlight key discoveries on the crosstalk between G protein-mediated pathways and other signaling cascades, such as hormone signaling, transcriptional regulation, and stress response networks. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of G protein signaling research in future crop improvement, offering new perspectives for advancing sustainable horticultural production.