Annexins: Role in abiotic stress tolerance

Abstract

Annexins are an evolutionarily conserved multigene family of Ca²⁺ dependent, phospholipid-binding proteins found in prokaryotes, fungi, plants, and animals. All annexins have a common Ca²⁺ binding domain and short amino-terminal regions which play an important role in post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions during adverse environmental conditions. Annexins function to counteract oxidative stress, maintain cell redox homeostasis and enhance drought tolerance. Here in this review, we try to elucidate the role of annexins in abiotic stress tolerance, particularly in plants.