Abstract

Advancements in molecular biology techniques such as the use of genetic and genome editing methods have resulted in the development of crop plants with improved productivity under the conditions of stressful environments or limited resource availability. However, the first step towards the development of tailored-made crop varieties is the identification of potential candidate genes for manipulation. Once these genes are identified, their expression can be altered either by silencing or activation using these molecular approaches followed by the studies on phenotypic and physiological consequences of the plant related to yield. Protein ubiquitination is a post-translational process which degrades the proteins that are not needed for cellular functions. Owing to the diversity of protein components of Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), they can be explored for activities, particular stress-regulation, other than their house-keeping functions. In this mini review, we briefly provide a discussion on the genes that encode members of CRLs which are considered to be the potential targets for stress amelioration and enhancement of plant productivity.

Keywords: E3-ligase; Cullins; Crop improvement; Genes