Studies of the molecular mechanisms of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) resistance to low-temperature stress

Abiotic stressors are the main factors limiting the expansion of territories occupied by grape plantations. Industrial viticulture is concentrated in the south of Russia and is limited by climatic factors that do not allow large-scale production in other regions of the country.

The present review considers the molecular mechanisms of resistance to low-temperature stress and discusses the role of the main genes determining the ability of plants to survive and acclimatize during a critical temperature drop.

One of the most studied ways of responding to cold stress is the interaction of genes in the ICE-CBF-COR cascade, however, a more accurate understanding of the genes responsible for resistance to abiotic environments specifically in grapes requires additional studies. A series of studies of functions of transcription factors and related genes of response to low-temperature stress in various species (Arabidopsis, tea, orange, blueberry, and grape) have identified four main regulons: 1) CBF/DREB, 2) NAC/ZF-HD, 3) AREB/ABF, and 4) MYC/MYB. Studies have demonstrated the function of the HOS1 gene, which negatively regulates the work of ICE1 (a key resistance factor). The review considers candidate genes in various species of annual plants: ICE1, HOS1, SIZ1, MPK3, MPK6, in families of genes: CBF, COR, RD 29A, LTI78, ERD, LEA; DREB1, ADREB1B; WRKY10, and in perennial crops: ICE1, CBF1, HSP70, SUS1, GST, DHN1, BMY5, BHLH102, GR-RBP3, ICE1, GOLS1, GOLS3; CBF; COR27, RD29B, NCED1, ERF105, ZAT10, SAP15, WRKY3, and LEA.

Until recently, interspecific hybridization was the leading method for obtaining cold-resistant grape varieties. The main donor of resistance is V. аmurensis Rupr. Recently, the research focused on the genetic basis of grape resistance to low temperatures is actively developing. For instance, a comparative analysis of the transcriptomes of two species contrasting in this trait, i.e. V. amurensis, resistant to low temperatures, and V. vinifera L. with low cold resistance, made it possible to identify three additional candidate genes with an increased expression in response to exposure to low temperatures, namely CBF3, ERF105 and ZAT10. At the same time, the practical application of modern accelerated breeding methods requires the identification of all additional key genes responsible for resistance to low-temperature stress. The components from the cascade of sequentially expressing ICE–CBF–COR genes (ICE1, ICE2, CBF1, CBF2, CBF3, and HOS1) have been selected as candidate genes.

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