LEA genes and drought tolerance.

Abstract Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in protecting plants from damage induced by abiotic stress, particularly dehydration. These proteins are abundant at late embryogenesis stage and synthesized in the seeds of all higher plants during the later stages of development. As important drought-tolerance genes, the function of LEA proteins has been studied extensively. This paper summarizes the classification of LEA proteins, cloning of LEA genes, gene expression in response to water deficits and drought-tolerance mechanisms inherent in LEA proteins. In addition, this review demonstrates that LEA proteins are involved in several drought-tolerance pathways, including membrane stabilization, molecular chaperones, scavenging reactive oxygen species, sequestering ions, water replacement and the formation of stable glasses. The multiple roles of LEA genes in effective stress tolerance suggest that the genes possess substantial value in breeding drought-tolerant crops.