Function and evolution of plant annexins in response to abiotic stresses

Calcium (Ca²⁺) serve as pivotal signaling molecules in plants, engaging in a diverse array of biochemical and physiological processes. Annexins (ANNs) constitute a significant family of Ca²⁺-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins in plants. These ANN proteins are involved in a variety of critical physiological and biochemical processes through their distinct functions, which include membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, cellular homeostasis, and ion transport. This review summarizes the fundamental properties and functional diversity of ANNs, as well as their interactions with abiotic stress conditions. We further elucidate their evolutionary origins, highlighting the role of plant ANNs in response to abiotic stresses, with an emphasis on their expression patterns across key plant lineages. Our analysis reveals that ANNs are an evolutionarily conserved family, ubiquitously present in nearly all examined plant species, likely originating from Rhodophyta. Furthermore, this review examines the expression profiles of the ANN gene family across several evolutionarily significant plant lineages, focusing on the regulatory mechanisms of ANNs in response to salinity, drought, and temperature extremes. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate evolutionary history and diverse biological functions of plant ANNs will enhance the potential to improve abiotic stress tolerance in plants.