Calcium Signaling-Mediated Plant Response to Cold Stress

Low temperatures have adverse impacts on plant growth, developmental processes, crop productivity and food quality. It is becoming clear that Ca(2+) signaling plays a crucial role in conferring cold tolerance in plants. However, the role of Ca(2+) involved in cold stress response needs to be further elucidated. Recent studies have shown how the perception of cold signals regulate Ca(2+) channels to induce Ca(2+) transients. In addition, studies have shown how Ca(2+) signaling and its cross-talk with nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways ultimately lead to establishing cold tolerance in plants. Ca(2+) signaling also plays a key role through Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated Arabidopsis signal responsive 1 (AtSR1/CAMTA3) when temperatures drop rapidly. This review highlights the current status in Ca(2+) signaling-mediated cold tolerance in plants.