Hydrogen sulfide regulates energy production to delay leaf senescence induced by drought stress in Arabidopsis (Front Plant Sci)

Premature leaf senescence can occur due to a mutation of a L-cysteine desulfhydrase1 (DES1) gene that encodes an enzyme that produces hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a “gasotransmitter” with functions in plants as well as mammals. Jin et al. explored the physiological functions of H₂S  in Arabidopsis. In addition to accelerated leaf senescsence and higher drought stress-sensitivity, des1 plants showed significantly downregulated expression levels of ATPβ-1, -2, and -3. Furthermore, older des1 leaves exhibited severely damaged mitochondria. Their results indicate that H₂S delays leaf senescence in drought-exposed Arabidopsis by regulating energy production in mitochondria and protecting against cellular aging.  (Summary by Naser A. Anjum) Front. Plant Sci. 10.3389/fpls.2018.01722