Deciphering the role of helicases and translocases: A multifunctional gene family safeguarding plants from diverse environmental adversities

Abstract

Helicases and translocases comprise one of the largest and highly conserved gene families in eukaryotic organisms, including plant. Members of this gene family are involved in a plethora of molecular processes related to DNA and RNA metabolism that are crucial for the maintenance of normal cellular functions. In this review, we bring together three major groups under this gene family – RNA helicases, DNA helicases, chromatin remodelers and highlight the key roles played by these well-known members in plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. We summarize this extensive information in a broader context and provide novel insights into helicases and translocases as multifunctional gene modules using in-silico approaches. We briefly highlight the stress-specific expression pattern of Arabidopsis helicases and how tissue-specific expression of DNA helicases vary from their counterparts in the monocot rice, a behaviour that likely reflects an evolutionary divergence in expression pattern. Overall, this review will serve as a framework for future studies and facilitate the identification and selection of promising helicases for developing stress-tolerant and developmentally resilient plants with the help of modern breeding and genetic engineering technologies.

Keywords

• Helicases and translocases
• DNA and RNA metabolism
• Abiotic stress tolerance
• Plant development
• Genomic stability