Genetic responses of plants to urban environmental challenges

Abstract

This review aims to describe the main genetic adaptations of plants to abiotic and biotic stressors in urban landscapes through modulation of gene expression and genotypic changes. Urbanization deeply impacts biodiversity through ecosystem alteration and habitat fragmentation, creating novel environmental challenges for plant species. Plants have evolved cellular, molecular, and biochemical strategies to cope with the diverse biotic and abiotic stresses associated with urbanization. However, many of these defense and resistance mechanisms remain poorly understood. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for advancing our understanding of urban biodiversity and elucidating the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of species in urban landscapes. As sessile organisms, plants depend heavily on modifications in gene expression as a rapid and efficient strategy to survive urban stressors. At the same time, the urban environment pressures induced plant species to evolve genotypic adaptations that enhance their survival and growth in these contexts. This review explores the different genetic responses of plants to urbanization. We focus on key abiotic challenges, such as air pollution, elevated CO₂ levels, heavy metal contamination, heat and drought stress, salinity, and biotic stresses caused by herbivorous insects. By examining these genetic mechanisms induced by urban stressors, we aim to analyze the molecular pathways and genetic patterns underlying the adaptation of plant species to urban environments. This knowledge is a valuable tool for enhancing the selection and propagation of adaptive traits in plant populations, supporting species conservation efforts, and promoting urban biodiversity.

Keywords: Urbanization; Urban stressors; Plant adaptation; Gene expression.

Fig. 1

Genetic pathways activated by plants in response to key abiotic stresses in urban environments. The figure illustrates plant molecular responses to air pollution and high CO₂ emissions (A), increased heavy metal levels (B), heat and drought stress (C), and salinity stress (D). Colored boxes highlight the molecular functions of the various genes involved. Genes positioned above the black line are upregulated, whereas those below are downregulated. Green arrows indicate positive regulation, while red arrows indicate negative regulation

Fig. 2

Genetic pathways activated by plants in response to key biotic stressors. This figure illustrates the genetic pathways plants activate as a defense mechanism against herbivorous attacks in urban environments. Colored boxes highlight the molecular functions of the various genes involved. Genes above the black line are upregulated, whereas those below are downregulated. The green arrow indicates positive regulation