Adaptation of cuticle metabolism to abiotic stress in plants

The cuticle, primarily composed of waxes and cutin polyesters, is a hydrophobic layer that covers the surfaces of plant tissues, evolving as physiological and biochemical adaptations to diverse environments. This layer acts as a diffusion barrier, preventing water loss and protecting plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Cuticular lipids, the major constituents of the cuticle, are complex mixtures of fatty acids and their derivatives. The biosynthesis, secretion, and assembly of these lipophilic metabolites are governed by multiple genes and intricately coordinated molecular networks that respond to developmental signals and various environmental stimuli. Advances in plant genetics and analytical techniques have greatly expanded our understanding of the biochemical composition and diverse functions of plant cuticles. This review provides an overview of the cuticle metabolism, with an emphasis on its role in abiotic stress adaptation in crops.