Alternative splicing, which generates multiple transcripts from the same gene, is an important modulator of gene expression that can increase proteome diversity and regulate mRNA levels. In plants, this post-transcriptional mechanism is markedly induced in response to environmental stress, and recent studies have identified alternative splicing events that allow rapid adjustment of the abundance and function of key stress-response components. In agreement, plant mutants defective in splicing factors are severely impaired in their response to abiotic stress. Notably, mounting evidence indicates that alternative splicing regulates stress responses largely by targeting the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway. We review here current understanding of post-transcriptional control of plant stress tolerance via alternative splicing and discuss research challenges for the near future.

从同一基因产生多个转录本的选择性剪接是重要的基因表达调节剂，可增加蛋白质组多样性并调节mRNA水平。在植物中，这种转录后机制是在对环境胁迫的响应中被明显诱导的，并且最近的研究已经确定了可选择性调节主要胁迫响应成分的丰度和功能的替代剪接事件。一致地，剪接因子有缺陷的植物突变体对非生物胁迫的反应严重受损。值得注意的是，越来越多的证据表明，选择性剪接主要通过针对脱落酸（ABA）途径调节应激反应。