Genetic and molecular responses of legumes in a changing environment - Legumes Under Environmental Stress: Yield, Improvement and Adaptations - page 210

of transcriptional control are involved in controlling the
genes necessary for inducing stress tolerance. The
molecular pathways initiated and activated in response
to activation of various genes help in regulating the
responses to a particular stress factor. However, it is still
unclear which chemical moieties and signals direct the
stress response in a particular direction. It is imperative
that we understand these mechanisms to assist in engi-
neering stress tolerance in legumes in an effective and
safe manner. Systematic analysis of gene expression,
construction of molecular networks and signal trans-
duction processes need to be studied and evaluated to
achieve better biotechnological outcomes for the stress-
resistant varieties.
The advent of modern genetic and protein expression
tools can help in the evaluation of a variety of pathways
and molecular responses in an effective and adequate
manner. Transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics and
metabolomics can all provide valuable insights into the
genetic and subcellular molecular changes induced as a
result of various stress factors. These fields have revolu-
tionized the biological understanding of various life
processes. Construction of genetic maps of the players
responsible for inducing stress tolerance and functionally
complementing the genetic information can help improve
our overall understanding of the means by which
legumes respond to various stress conditions. Once the
genes involved have been identified, a variety of genetic
combinations can be employed for engineering pathways
that can help the plant tolerate salinity, temperature
extremes and drought. Although many data are now
available regarding the responses to various physical con-
straints, efforts need to be made to collect, integrate and
interpret those data. A collaborative effort by plant phys-
iologists, pathologists and biotechnologists is required to
gain the full benefits of these research efforts.

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