What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how UV-C radiation influences plant signaling and gene expression.

February 26, 2026Open Access

Illuminating Ultraviolet-C on Plants: Insights into Mechanism, Regulation and Response

Puntos clave

The aim is to explore how UV-C radiation influences plant signaling and gene expression.
Review existing literature on UV-C induced molecular responses in plants.
Identify signaling pathways involving reactive oxygen species and kinases.
Examine transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
Integrate findings into a schematic framework for better understanding.
UV-C triggers reactive oxygen species generation and various ion fluxes.
Key transcription factors like WRKY, MYB, and ERF are involved in gene expression changes.
There are significant morphological and physiological effects on plant growth and stress adaptation.
Potential gaps identified in the understanding of photoreceptors and signaling pathways.

Resumen

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation has emerged as a potent artificial light signal capable of triggering complex molecular responses in plants. Unlike ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B), for which specific photoreceptors and signalling pathways are well characterised, the molecular mechanisms underlying UV-C perception and signalling remain largely unexplored. Recent evidence indicates the involvement of early signalling events, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ion fluxes, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades and hormonal signalling. These signals drive transcriptional reprogramming through key transcription factors such as WRKY transcription factor (WRKY), v-Myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB), Ethylene Responsive Factor (ERF), Heat Shock Factor (HSF) and Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD), along with post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs like miR398 and miR159. The resulting gene expression changes modulate defence responses, hormone signalling, secondary metabolism, and cell wall modification, with considerable variation across species and cultivars. These molecular changes are also associated with morphological and physiological responses, including effects on plant growth, stress adaptation, fruit ripening and colouration. This review integrates emerging evidence on UV-C perception, signalling networks, and transcriptional regulation within a mechanistic framework, presented schematically to offer a holistic view of how UV-C shapes plant morphology, physiology, biochemistry and identifies critical gaps in photoreceptor identification, kinase signalling, and miRNA-mediated regulation. Collectively, these insights establish a foundation for the development of UV-C-based strategies to enhance crop resilience, nutritional quality, and stress tolerance in a sustainable and precise manner.

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