Brassinosteroids in plant growth and development

Abstract

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are crucial for modulating several plant-related growth activities in the plant. The essential roles of BRs in modulating growth have been well characterized. Recently, BRs emerged as key players, which are accountable for governing stress-mediated responses like high temperature and nutrient deficiency. The genetic components of BRs signaling starting with membrane-confined receptors to the nuclear transcriptional effectors have been characterized. Here, we summarize the advances in the BRs signaling pathway and its spatiotemporal regulation in context with plant growth and development. Further, we highlight the essential role of BRs in regulating the root-and-shoot development, including the effect of BRs on stomata development and physiology as well as in root system architecture modulation. This summarized information will shed light on the current understanding of the BRs regulatory network and its multiple levels of cross talk with the other growth-related hormones in determining the plant performance under stress conditions.