Metabolic Regulation of Photoprotection under Abiotic Stress

Plants constantly balance energy capture with protection from excess light, a challenge intensified under abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. These stresses disrupt cellular homeostasis, alter metabolic fluxes, and increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), heightening the need for efficient photoprotective mechanisms. Metabolic pathways ranging from carbon assimilation and photorespiration to antioxidant networks play integral roles in modulating photoprotection by providing alternative electron sinks, maintaining redox balance, and supporting energy dissipation. Furthermore, intricate signaling networks, including hormonal and retrograde communication, coordinate metabolic and photoprotective responses at cellular and whole-plant levels. Understanding these interconnected processes is essential for advancing strategies to enhance crop resilience and productivity in the context of global climate change.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how metabolic pathways regulate photoprotective mechanisms in plants exposed to abiotic stress. By integrating insights from physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and systems biology, this collection seeks to uncover the metabolic adjustments that support light energy dissipation, maintain redox balance, and enhance stress resilience. Ultimately, the goal is to identify relationships relevant to the regulation of metabolism and metabolic pathways that have a significant impact on photoprotection, as well as to highlight possible interactions between photoprotection and plant metabolism at different levels of plant organisation. This topic covers research from diverse disciplines including plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, crop science, and systems biology. Submissions may explore photoprotective mechanisms, metabolic pathways involved in stress adaptation, redox and antioxidant systems, signaling networks, and stress-specific metabolic adjustments; as well as the interactions between metabolic pathways, antioxidant systems, and signaling pathways. Contributions addressing translational approaches, such as genetic engineering, breeding strategies, and computational modeling aimed at improving crop resilience, are especially welcome. By bringing together multidisciplinary insights, this collection seeks to deepen our understanding of the metabolic foundations of photoprotection and inspire innovative solutions for enhancing plant performance under challenging environmental conditions. Topic editors: Asha Kumari, Ewa Surówka Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80392/metabolic-regulation-of-photoprotection-under-abiotic-stress