Stress-associated proteins (SAPs): Molecular hubs connecting plant stress, development, and metabolism

Stress-associated proteins (SAPs) are a versatile class of proteins extensively found in microbes, plants, and animals. They play a pivotal role in plant responses to environmental challenges such as drought, salinity, heat, and pathogen infection, thereby enhancing stress tolerance and safeguarding agricultural yields. Current research has largely focused on the stress-responsive functions of SAPs, while the connections between their diverse roles and practical applications remain less synthesized. To advance the understanding of the SAPs family and facilitate for future research into stress-tolerant crop breeding aimed at reducing yield losses, this paper comprehensively examines the classification, structural traits, molecular mechanisms, and application potential of SAPs in stress regulation.