C2H2-type zinc finger proteins: Contributing regulators of plant tolerance to abiotic stress

C2H2-type zinc finger proteins, as a class of key transcription factors in plants, play a important regulatory role in plant response to a wide range of abiotic stresses, including salt stress, drought, temperature stress, osmotic stress, high light stress and oxidative stress. This paper presents a systematic review of the structural characterization and classification system of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins and their molecular mechanisms involved in abiotic stress response. Research indicates that C2H2-type zinc finger proteins enhance plant stress resistance indirectly by regulating ion homeostasis, promoting the synthesis of osmoregulatory substances, activating reactive oxygen species scavenging systems, and participating in both ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signaling pathways. In addition, these proteins can indirectly enhance plant adaptation to stressful environments by regulating physiological processes such as stomatal movement and photosynthetic efficiency. This study provides new theoretical basis and strategic ideas for addressing the challenges of global climate change and ensuring food security.