Zfp182, a TFIIIA-type zinc finger protein, is involved in multiple abiotic stress responses in plants. It plays a role in pathways related to abscisic acid (ABA)-induced antioxidant defense, salt, cold and drought tolerances. Understanding its function is crucial for improving stress tolerance in crops [1,2,3].

In rice, ABA treatment induces Zfp182 expression, and it is required for ABA-induced antioxidant defense as transient gene expression and RNAi analysis in protoplasts showed its involvement in up-regulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. Also, rice MAPKs, OsMPK1 and OsMPK5, are required for Zfp182 up-regulation in ABA signaling [1]. Overexpression of Zfp182 in transgenic rice significantly enhanced multiple abiotic stress tolerances, promoting the accumulation of compatible osmolytes and activating stress-related genes like OsP5CS, OsLEA3, OsDREB1A and OsDREB1B [2]. Expression of Zfp182 in transgenic tobacco and overexpression in rice increased plant tolerance to salt stress [3]. In wheat, mutations in NAC transcription factors affected the transcription pattern of Zfp182 under salt or drought stress [4]. In rice, a superior haplotype of Zfp182 was associated with higher single plant yield under drought stress [5].

In conclusion, Zfp182 is essential for plants' responses to various abiotic stresses, including those mediated by ABA, salt, cold and drought. Its study in plant models provides insights into stress-tolerance mechanisms, offering potential for improving crop resilience to environmental challenges.