Roles of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Cascades in ABA Signaling Regulation of Plant Development

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a pivotal role in a variety of developmental processes and adaptive stress responses to environmental stimuli in plants. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signaling modules for responding to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. MAPK cascades are involved in ABA signaling in seed germination, stomatal movement, plant growth and development. We summarized the ABA-induced gene expressions and protein kinases activation of components in the MAPK cascades pathway, as well as the regulation of MAPK cascades implicated in ABA signaling. We also discuss research prospects of the roles played by MAPK cascades in ABA signaling, and the screening of MAPK substrates in the study of MAPK cascade responses to various stimuli.