Surviving the Enemies: Regulatory Mechanisms of Stomatal Function in Response to Drought and Salt Stress

Guard cells (GCs) are specialized cells within the plant epidermis that form the stomatal pores that are responsible for the exchange of gasses into and out of leaves and thus, plants as a whole. The stomatal function or behavior responds to a spectrum of signals, from intracellular signaling to global climate change. Here, we review the recent regulatory mechanisms of stomatal function in response to drought and salt stress. We also highlight how single-cell RNA-seq analysis could be used to profile rare cell types and genes governing key developmental trajectories of stomatal function under stress conditions to provide new avenues for improving water homeostasis and stress tolerance in plants.