Thirsty plants and beyond: structural mechanisms of abscisic acid perception and signaling

The Role of Liriodendron Dof Gene Family in Abiotic Stress Response

The DOF (DNA-binding with one finger) transcription factors are exclusive to plants and play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation. Although extensive research has been conducted on the Dof gene family in Arabidopsis, maize, and Solanum, investigations concerning the role of this gene family in Liriodendron remain unreported, leaving its biological function largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide identification of the Dof gene family based on the Liriodendron genome, resulting in the discovery of a total of 17 LcDof gene members. Based on the results of phylogenetic analysis, the 17 LcDof proteins were classified into eight subfamilies. The motif analysis revealed the diverse nature of motifs within the D1 subfamily, which includes a distinct type of Dof transcription factor known as CDF (Cycling Dof Factor). We further characterized the chromosomal distribution, gene structure, conserved protein motifs, and cis-elements in the promoter regions. Additionally, utilizing transcriptome data from Liriodendron hybrids and conducting RT-qPCR experiments, we investigated the expression patterns of LhDofs under various abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, and heat stress. Notably, we found that several LhDofs, particularly LhDof4 and LhDof6, were significantly upregulated in response to abiotic stress. Furthermore, we cloned LhDof4 and LhDof6 genes and found that its encoding protein was mainly located in the nucleus by transient transformation in Liriodendron hybrids protoplast. Subsequently, we used LhDof6-overexpressing Liriodendron hybrid seedlings. We found that overexpression of LhDof6 enhanced the cold tolerance of the plants, increasing their survival rate at -20 °C. This result was further validated by changes in physiological indicators.

Persistence of Abscisic Acid Analogs in Plants: Chemical Control of Plant Growth and Physiology

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone that regulates numerous plant processes, including plant growth, development, and stress physiology. ABA plays an important role in enhancing plant stress tolerance. This involves the ABA-mediated control of gene expression to increase antioxidant activities for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). ABA is a fragile molecule that is rapidly isomerized by ultraviolet (UV) light and catabolized in plants. This makes it challenging to apply as a plant growth substance. ABA analogs are synthetic derivatives of ABA that alter ABA's functions to modulate plant growth and stress physiology. Modifying functional group(s) in ABA analogs alters the potency, selectivity to receptors, and mode of action (i.e., either agonists or antagonists). Despite current advances in developing ABA analogs with high affinity to ABA receptors, it remains under investigation for its persistence in plants. The persistence of ABA analogs depends on their tolerance to catabolic and xenobiotic enzymes and light. Accumulated studies have demonstrated that the persistence of ABA analogs impacts the potency of its effect in plants. Thus, evaluating the persistence of these chemicals is a possible scheme for a better prediction of their functionality and potency in plants. Moreover, optimizing chemical administration protocols and biochemical characterization is also critical in validating the function of chemicals. Lastly, the development of chemical and genetic controls is required to acquire the stress tolerance of plants for multiple different uses.

Integration of machine learning with computational structural biology of plants

Computational structural biology of proteins has developed rapidly in recent decades with the development of new computational tools and the advancement of computing hardware. However, while these techniques have widely been used to make advancements in human medicine, these methods have seen less utilization in the plant sciences. In the last several years, machine learning methods have gained popularity in computational structural biology. These methods have enabled the development of new tools which are able to address the major challenges that have hampered the wide adoption of the computational structural biology of plants. This perspective examines the remaining challenges in computational structural biology and how the development of machine learning techniques enables more in-depth computational structural biology of plants.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals phytohormone and photosynthetic molecular mechanisms of a submerged macrophyte in response to microcystin-LR stress

Cyanobacterial blooms impose a substantial risk for submerged macrophytes in aquatic environments. This study investigated the cellular and transcriptomic responses of Vallisneria natans to microcystin-LR (MCLR) exposure, as well as abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactone (SL), which are the major compounds in signaling networks that regulate plant defense. The results revealed that MCLR significantly (p <0.05) decreased the photosynthetic pigments and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contents of the ABA and SL stress-related phytohormones under MCLR stress. Related genes involved in the photosynthetic pathways were down-regulated, including psbO, psbP, psbQ and psbR. In the SL biosynthetic pathway of roots under MCLR stress, related genes, such as D27 and CCD7, were down-regulated, while the CCD8 and MAX1 genes were up-regulated. In the ABA synthetic pathway, the genes LUT5, ZEP, NCED, ABA2 and AAO3 were up-regulated. Furthermore, a reduction in the content of SL enriched ABA after 3 days under MCLR stress. The potential molecular mechanism of the interactions between SL and ABA were confirmed with the relative up- and down-regulated genes in the pathway, and ABA could play a major role in plant physiology under MCLR stress. This study provides valuable information to understand the stress-related mechanisms of response of submerged macrophytes to cyanobacterial blooms.

Transcriptional Regulation of Protein Phosphatase 2C Genes to Modulate Abscisic Acid Signaling

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) triggers cellular tolerance responses to osmotic stress caused by drought and salinity. ABA controls the turgor pressure of guard cells in the plant epidermis, leading to stomatal closure to minimize water loss. However, stomatal apertures open to uptake CO₂ for photosynthesis even under stress conditions. ABA modulates its signaling pathway via negative feedback regulation to maintain plant homeostasis. In the nuclei of guard cells, the clade A type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) counteract SnRK2 kinases by physical interaction, and thereby inhibit activation of the transcription factors that mediate ABA-responsive gene expression. Under osmotic stress conditions, PP2Cs bind to soluble ABA receptors to capture ABA and release active SnRK2s. Thus, PP2Cs function as a switch at the center of the ABA signaling network. ABA induces the expression of genes encoding repressors or activators of PP2C gene transcription. These regulators mediate the conversion of PP2C chromatins from a repressive to an active state for gene transcription. The stress-induced chromatin remodeling states of ABA-responsive genes could be memorized and transmitted to plant progeny; i.e., transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This review focuses on the mechanism by which PP2C gene transcription modulates ABA signaling.

All Roads Lead to Auxin: Post-translational Regulation of Auxin Transport by Multiple Hormonal Pathways

Auxin is a key hormonal regulator, that governs plant growth and development in concert with other hormonal pathways. The unique feature of auxin is its polar, cell-to-cell transport that leads to the formation of local auxin maxima and gradients, which coordinate initiation and patterning of plant organs. The molecular machinery mediating polar auxin transport is one of the important points of interaction with other hormones. Multiple hormonal pathways converge at the regulation of auxin transport and form a regulatory network that integrates various developmental and environmental inputs to steer plant development. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms that underlie regulation of polar auxin transport by multiple hormonal pathways. Specifically, we focus on the post-translational mechanisms that contribute to fine-tuning of the abundance and polarity of auxin transporters at the plasma membrane and thereby enable rapid modification of the auxin flow to coordinate plant growth and development.

Selection and functional identification of a synthetic partial ABA agonist, S7

The stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) helps plants to survive under abiotic stresses; however, its use as an agrochemical is limited by its chemical instability and expense. Here, we report the development of an in vivo screening system to isolate chemicals able to induce ABA signalling responses in rice (Oryza sativa) protoplasts. This system consists of an ABA-hypersensitive synthetic promoter containing ABRE and DRE motifs driving a luciferase reporter gene. After efficiently transfecting rice protoplasts with this construct, we screened chemicals library with a similar molecular weight and chemical structure to ABA and identified one chemical, S7, that induced ABA signalling by mediating interactions between the group I and II OsPYL receptors and certain OsPP2CAs in a yeast two-hybrid assay. In an in vitro pulldown assay, S7 was found to mediate a weak interaction between OsPYL5/8 and various OsPP2CAs. S7 treatments did not affect seedling growth or seed germination, but could reduce water loss. Rice seedlings treated with S7 exhibited transcriptome profiles that partially overlapped those treated with ABA. Taken together, we concluded that S7 is a new partial ABA agonist, which has potential use in future dissections of ABA signalling and as an agrochemical.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of ABA receptor PYL/RCAR gene family reveals evolution and roles in drought stress in Nicotiana tabacum

BACKGROUND

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone for plant growth, development and responding to stresses such as drought, salinity, and pathogen infection. Pyrabactin Resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component of ABA Receptor (RCAR) (hereafter referred to as PYLs) has been identified as the ABA receptors. The PYL family members have been well studied in many plants. However, the members of PYL family have not been systematically identified at genome level in cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and its two ancestors. In this study, the phylogenic relationships, chromosomal distribution, gene structures, conserved motifs/regions, and expression profiles of NtPYLs were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 29, 11, 16 PYLs in the genomes of allotetraploid N. tabacum, and its two diploid ancestors N. tomentosiformis and N. sylvestris, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that NtPYLs can be divided into three subfamilies, and each NtPYL has one counterpart in N. sylvestris or N. tomentosiformis. Based on microarray analysis of NtPYL transcripts, four NtPYLs (from subfamily II, III), and five NtPYLs (from subfamily I) are highlighted as potential candidates for further functional characterization in N. tabacum seed development, response to ABA, and germination, and resistance to abiotic stresses, respectively. Interestingly, the expression profiles of members in the same NtPYL subfamily showed somehow similar patterns in tissues at different developmental stages and in leaves of seedlings under drought stress, suggesting particular NtPYLs might have multiple functions in both plant development and drought stress response.

CONCLUSIONS

NtPYLs are highlighted for important functions in seed development, germination and response to ABA, and particular in drought tolerance. This work will not only shed light on the PYL family in tobacco, but also provides some valuable information for functional characterization of ABA receptors in N. tabacum.

Hormonal Orchestration of Bud Dormancy Cycle in Deciduous Woody Perennials

Woody perennials enter seasonal dormancy to avoid unfavorable environmental conditions. Plant hormones are the critical mediators regulating this complex process, which is subject to the influence of many internal and external factors. Over the last two decades, our knowledge of hormone-mediated dormancy has increased considerably, primarily due to advancements in molecular biology, omics, and bioinformatics. These advancements have enabled the elucidation of several aspects of hormonal regulation associated with bud dormancy in various deciduous tree species. Plant hormones interact with each other extensively in a context-dependent manner. The dormancy-associated MADS (DAM) transcription factors appear to enable hormones and other internal signals associated with the transition between different phases of bud dormancy. These proteins likely hold a great potential in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of dormancy initiation, maintenance, and release. In this review, a recent understanding of the roles of plant hormones, their cross talks, and their potential interactions with DAM proteins during dormancy is discussed.

The garlic allelochemical DADS influences cucumber root growth involved in regulating hormone levels and modulating cell cycling

Most allelochemicals are phytotoxic to the receiver plants and may influence the cell micro- and ultrastructure, cell division, phytohormone levels, and ultimately growth. In order to understand the allelopathic potential of garlic, the effects of its main bioactive allelochemical diallyl disulfide (DADS), experiments were carried out to observe the seed germination, root growth, and developmental responses in cucumber seedlings treated with various concentrations of DADS. The obtained data suggested active influence of DADS on cucumber root growth and development. Significant responses were observed in early root growth and elongation, mitotic cell division and elongation, and root architecture modulation. The effect, however, was dose dependent, and lower concentrations of DADS proved to be promotional whereas higher concentrations of DADS inhibited cucumber root growth and development. Relative root elongation (RRE) revealed that DADS could increase growth of cucumber roots in the early developmental days. Moreover, DADS application significantly influenced mitosis-related gene expression. Observed genes CYCA and CDKB were initially downregulated in the first 24 h but significantly upregulated after 48 h, while gene CDKA was upregulated in the first 24 h. Similarly, DADS application significantly altered primary plant hormones, such as IAA, ABA, GA₃, and ZR, in the cucumber roots. Taken together, low concentrations of DADS treatment could promote cucumber root growth and induce main root elongation by upregulating CDKA and CDKB gene expression and regulating hormone balance in root. The current findings offer insight into the allelopathic potential of garlic allelochemical DADS and can be considered vital for establishing plant allelopathic studies.

Expression profiling of genes encoding ABA route components in response to dehydration or various light conditions in poplar buds and leaves

In this report, the members of PP2C, SnRK2a and Rboh oxidase families from Arabidopsis and poplar were studied in silico, and the expression profiles of the some of them were specified in Populus tremula buds and adult leaves. In poplars, the counterparts of ABI1- and ABI2-like protein phosphatases are lacking, but poplar genomes encode three HAB-like proteins denoted in this work as HAB1, HAB3a and HAB3b, and the counterparts of the two latter ones are absent in Arabidopsis. Nonetheless, they may be present in other species. In poplars, SnRK2 subclass III includes two SnRK2.6-like protein kinases denoted by us as SnRK2.6a and SnRK2.6b, and only one SnRK2.2 corresponding to SnRK2.2 and SnRK2.3 ones from Arabidopsis. In contrast to Arabidopsis, the poplar Rboh family involves two RbohD- and RbohF-like proteins denoted here as RbohD1 and RbohD2, and RbohF1 and RbohF2, respectively. The expressions of genes encoding the above components of the ABA route were studied in Populus tremula dehydrated buds and adult leaves not subjected to stress but exposed to natural daylight or to darkness, and to inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis or signaling route by cobalt or silver ions, respectively. In leaves, the light conditions seemed to be the most pronounced factor, from among the studied stimuli, controlling the expression Ptre-HAB3a, Ptre-HAB1, Ptre-SnRK2.6a and Ptre-RbohF2 genes, their expression was upregulated in darkness. This observation implies that these genes may be important for dark-induced stomatal closure regulation. Ethylene negatively affected the expression of three studied Rboh genes and Ptre-HAB1one but only at daylight, whereas its positive effect on the of Ptre-HAB3a was shown in the dark exposed leaves. In buds, three studied Rboh genes took part in the early response to dehydration, however their participation involved the visibly highest level of the Ptre-RbohD1 transcripts, followed by Ptre-RbohF2 and the lowest one of Ptre-RbohF1. Nonetheless, the further stress-induced superoxide anion generation seemed to depend on the enhanced expression of the Ptre-RbohD1 and Ptre-RbohF2 genes only, still with a significantly higher level of the Ptre-RbohD1 one. Ptre-RbohD2 transcripts were found neither in leaves nor in buds. The expression of the other genes discussed in the present work was either slightly upregulated at moderate stress or did not significantly change in response to dehydration. The protein kinase activity of overexpressed Ptre-SnRK2.6a and Ptre-SnRK2.6b was confirmed in in vitro protein kinase assay and compared to that of SnRK2.6/OST1 one from Arabidopsis.

14-3-3 Proteins in Plant Hormone Signaling: Doing Several Things at Once

In this review we highlight the advances achieved in the investigation of the role of 14-3-3 proteins in hormone signaling, biosynthesis, and transport. 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved molecules that target a number of protein clients through their ability to recognize well-defined phosphorylated motifs. As a result, they regulate several cellular processes, ranging from metabolism to transport, growth, development, and stress response. High-throughput proteomic data and two-hybrid screen demonstrate that 14-3-3 proteins physically interact with many protein clients involved in the biosynthesis or signaling pathways of the main plant hormones, while increasing functional evidence indicates that 14-3-3-target interactions play pivotal regulatory roles. These advances provide a framework of our understanding of plant hormone action, suggesting that 14-3-3 proteins act as hubs of a cellular web encompassing different signaling pathways, transducing and integrating diverse hormone signals in the regulation of physiological processes.

AIK1, A Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Modulates Abscisic Acid Responses through the MKK5-MPK6 Kinase Cascade

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction module involved in transducing extracellular signals to the nucleus for appropriate cellular adjustment. This cascade essentially consists of three components: a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK), a MAPK kinase, and a MAPK, connected to each other by the event of phosphorylation. Here, we report the characterization of a MAPKKK, ABA-INSENSITIVE PROTEIN KINASE1 (AIK1), which regulates abscisic acid (ABA) responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). T-DNA insertion mutants of AIK1 showed insensitivity to ABA in terms of both root growth and stomatal response. AIK1 functions in ABA responses via regulation of root cell division and elongation, as well as stomatal responses. The activity of AIK1 is induced by ABA in Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), and the Arabidopsis protein phosphatase type 2C, ABI1, a negative regulator of ABA signaling, restricts AIK1 activity by dephosphorylation. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis showed that MPK3, MPK6, and AIK1 interact with MKK5. The single mutant seedlings of mpk6 and mkk5 have similar phenotypes to aik1, but mkk4 does not. AIK1 was localized in the cytoplasm and shown to activate MKK5 by protein phosphorylation, which was an ABA-activated process. Constitutively active MKK5 in aik1 mutant seedlings complements the ABA-insensitive root growth phenotype of aik1 The activity of MPK6 was increased by ABA in wild-type seedlings, but its activation by ABA was impaired in aik1 and aik1 mkk5 mutants. These findings clearly suggest that the AIK1-MKK5-MPK6 cascade functions in the ABA regulation of primary root growth and stomatal response.

Histidine Regulates Seed Oil Deposition through Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis and β-Oxidation

The storage compounds are deposited into plant seeds during maturation. As the model oilseed species, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has long been studied for seed oil deposition. However, the regulation of this process remains unclear. Through genetic screen with a seed oil body-specific reporter, we isolated low oil1 (loo1) mutant. LOO1 was mapped to HISTIDINE BIOSYNTHESIS NUMBER 1A (HISN1A). HISN1A catalyzes the first step of His biosynthesis. Oil significantly decreased, and conversely proteins markedly increased in hisn1a mutants, indicating that HISN1A regulates both oil accumulation and the oil-protein balance. HISN1A was predominantly expressed in embryos and root tips. Accordingly, the hisn1a mutants exhibited developmental phenotype especially of seeds and roots. Transcriptional profiling displayed that β-oxidation was the major metabolic pathway downstream of HISN1A β-Oxidation was induced in hisn1a mutants, whereas it was reduced in 35S:HISN1A-transgenic plants. In plants, seed storage oil is broken-down by β-oxidation, which is controlled by abscisic acid (ABA). We found that His activated genes of ABA biosynthesis and correspondingly advanced ABA accumulation. Exogenous ABA rescued the defects of hisn1a mutants, whereas mutation of ABA DEFICIENT2, a key enzyme in ABA biosynthesis, blocked the effect of His on β-oxidation, indicating that ABA mediates His regulation in β-oxidation. Intriguingly, structural analysis showed that a potential His-binding domain was present in the general amino acid sensors GENERAL CONTROL NON-DEREPRESSIBLE2 and PII, suggesting that His may serve as a signal molecule. Taken together, our study reveals that His promotes plant seed oil deposition through ABA biosynthesis and β-oxidation.

Phosphatase ABI1 and okadaic acid-sensitive phosphoprotein phosphatases inhibit salt stress-activated SnRK2.4 kinase

BACKGROUND

SNF1-related protein kinases 2 (SnRK2s) are key regulators of the plant response to osmotic stress. They are transiently activated in response to drought and salinity. Based on a phylogenetic analysis SnRK2s are divided into three groups. The classification correlates with their response to abscisic acid (ABA); group 1 consists SnRK2s non-activated in response to ABA, group 2, kinases non-activated or weakly activated (depending on the plant species) by ABA treatment, and group 3, ABA-activated kinases. The activity of all SnRK2s is regulated by phosphorylation. It is well established that clade A phosphoprotein phosphatases 2C (PP2Cs) are negative regulators of ABA-activated SnRK2s, whereas regulators of SnRK2s from group 1 remain unidentified.

RESULTS

Here, we show that ABI1, a PP2C clade A phosphatase, interacts with SnRK2.4, member of group 1 of the SnRK2 family, dephosphorylates Ser158, whose phosphorylation is needed for the kinase activity, and inhibits the kinase, both in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicate that ABI1 and the kinase regulate primary root growth in response to salinity; the phenotype of ABI1 knockout mutant (abi1td) exposed to salt stress is opposite to that of the snrk2.4 mutant. Moreover, we show that the activity of SnRK2s from group 1 is additionally regulated by okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase(s) from the phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP) family.

CONCLUSIONS

Phosphatase ABI1 and okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases of the PPP family are negative regulators of salt stress-activated SnRK2.4. The results show that ABI1 inhibits not only the ABA-activated SnRK2s but also at least one ABA-non-activated SnRK2, suggesting that the phosphatase is involved in the cross talk between ABA-dependent and ABA-independent stress signaling pathways in plants.

Abscisic Acid and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants

Abiotic stress is a primary threat to fulfill the demand of agricultural production to feed the world in coming decades. Plants reduce growth and development process during stress conditions, which ultimately affect the yield. In stress conditions, plants develop various stress mechanism to face the magnitude of stress challenges, although that is not enough to protect them. Therefore, many strategies have been used to produce abiotic stress tolerance crop plants, among them, abscisic acid (ABA) phytohormone engineering could be one of the methods of choice. ABA is an isoprenoid phytohormone, which regulates various physiological processes ranging from stomatal opening to protein storage and provides adaptation to many stresses like drought, salt, and cold stresses. ABA is also called an important messenger that acts as the signaling mediator for regulating the adaptive response of plants to different environmental stress conditions. In this review, we will discuss the role of ABA in response to abiotic stress at the molecular level and ABA signaling. The review also deals with the effect of ABA in respect to gene expression.

Abscisic Acid and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants

Abiotic stress is a primary threat to fulfill the demand of agricultural production to feed the world in coming decades. Plants reduce growth and development process during stress conditions, which ultimately affect the yield. In stress conditions, plants develop various stress mechanism to face the magnitude of stress challenges, although that is not enough to protect them. Therefore, many strategies have been used to produce abiotic stress tolerance crop plants, among them, abscisic acid (ABA) phytohormone engineering could be one of the methods of choice. ABA is an isoprenoid phytohormone, which regulates various physiological processes ranging from stomatal opening to protein storage and provides adaptation to many stresses like drought, salt, and cold stresses. ABA is also called an important messenger that acts as the signaling mediator for regulating the adaptive response of plants to different environmental stress conditions. In this review, we will discuss the role of ABA in response to abiotic stress at the molecular level and ABA signaling. The review also deals with the effect of ABA in respect to gene expression.

Structural basis and functions of abscisic acid receptors PYLs

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a key role in many developmental processes and responses to adaptive stresses in plants. Recently, a new family of nucleocytoplasmic PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYLs) has been identified as bona fide ABA receptors. PYLs together with protein phosphatases type-2C (PP2Cs), Snf1 (Sucrose-non-fermentation 1)-related kinases subfamily 2 (SnRK2s) and downstream substrates constitute the core ABA signaling network. Generally, PP2Cs inactivate SnRK2s kinases by physical interaction and direct dephosphorylation. Upon ABA binding, PYLs change their conformations and then contact and inhibit PP2Cs, thus activating SnRK2s. Here, we reviewed the recent progress in research regarding the structures of the core signaling pathways of ABA, including the (+)-ABA, (-)-ABA and ABA analogs pyrabactin as well as 6AS perception by PYLs, SnRK2s mimicking PYLs in binding PP2Cs. PYLs inhibited PP2Cs in both the presence and absence of ABA and activated SnRK2s. The present review elucidates multiple ABA signal perception and transduction by PYLs, which might shed light on how to design small chemical compounds for improving plant performance in the future.

Interaction between abscisic acid receptor PYL3 and protein phosphatase type 2C in response to ABA signaling in maize

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a ubiquitous hormone that regulates plant growth, development and responses to environmental stresses. In recent researches, pyrabactin resistance 1-like protein (PYL) and protein phosphatase type 2C (PP2C) were identified as the direct receptor and the second component of ABA signaling pathway, respectively. However, a lot of PYL and PP2C members were found in Arabidopsis and several other plants. Some of them were found not to be involved in ABA signaling. Because of the complex diversity of the genome, few documents have been available on the molecular details of the ABA signal perception system in maize. In the present study, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to find out the candidates (ZmPYL3 and ZmPP2C16) of the PYL and PP2C members most probably involved in ABA signaling in maize, cloned their encoding genes (ZmPYL3 and ZmPP2C16), verified the interaction between these two proteins in response to exogenous ABA induction by yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and investigated the expression patterns of these two genes under the induction of exogenous ABA by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results indicated that the ZmPYL3 and ZmPP2C16 proteins interacted in vitro and in vivo in response to the induction of exogenous ABA. The downregulated expression of the ZmPYL3 gene and the upregulated expression of the ZmPP2C16 gene are responsive to the induction of exogenous ABA. The ZmPYL3 and ZmPP2C16 proteins are the most probable members of the receptors and the second components of ABA signaling pathway, respectively.

Plant signaling: abscisic acid receptor hole-in-one

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) has a central role in adaptive responses of plants to abiotic stress. A new ABA antagonist offers a promising tool to study ABA signaling and adaptation to abiotic stress in diverse plants, including crops.

Hormonal control of cell division and elongation along differentiation trajectories in roots

The continuous development of roots is supported by a sustainable system for cell production and growth at the root tip. In the stem cell niche that consists of a quiescent centre and surrounding stem cells, an undifferentiated state and low mitotic activity are preserved by the action of auxin and abscisic acid. Stem cell daughters divide several times in the proximal meristem, where auxin and gibberellin mainly promote cell proliferation. Cells then elongate with the help of gibberellin, and become finally differentiated as a constituent of a cell file in the elongation/differentiation zone. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the transition zone is located between the proximal meristem and the elongation/differentiation zone, and plays an important role in switching from mitosis to the endoreplication that causes DNA polyploidization. Recent studies have shown that cytokinins are essentially required for this transition by antagonizing auxin signalling and promoting degradation of mitotic regulators. In each root zone, different phytohormones interact with one another and coordinately control cell proliferation, cell elongation, cell differentiation, and endoreplication. Such hormonal networks maintain the elaborate structure of the root tip under various environmental conditions. In this review, we summarize and discuss key issues related to hormonal regulation of root growth, and describe how phytohormones are associated with the control of cell cycle machinery.

Designed abscisic acid analogs as antagonists of PYL-PP2C receptor interactions

The plant stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is critical for several abiotic stress responses. ABA signaling is normally repressed by group-A protein phosphatases 2C (PP2Cs), but stress-induced ABA binds Arabidopsis PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYL) receptors, which then bind and inhibit PP2Cs. X-ray structures of several receptor-ABA complexes revealed a tunnel above ABA's 3' ring CH that opens at the PP2C binding interface. Here, ABA analogs with sufficiently long 3' alkyl chains were predicted to traverse this tunnel and block PYL-PP2C interactions. To test this, a series of 3'-alkylsulfanyl ABAs were synthesized with different alkyl chain lengths. Physiological, biochemical and structural analyses revealed that a six-carbon alkyl substitution produced a potent ABA antagonist that was sufficiently active to block multiple stress-induced ABA responses in vivo. This study provides a new approach for the design of ABA analogs, and the results validated structure-based design for this target class.

Molecular locks and keys: the role of small molecules in phytohormone research

Plant adaptation, growth and development rely on the integration of many environmental and endogenous signals that collectively determine the overall plant phenotypic plasticity. Plant signaling molecules, also known as phytohormones, are fundamental to this process. These molecules act at low concentrations and regulate multiple aspects of plant fitness and development via complex signaling networks. By its nature, phytohormone research lies at the interface between chemistry and biology. Classically, the scientific community has always used synthetic phytohormones and analogs to study hormone functions and responses. However, recent advances in synthetic and combinational chemistry, have allowed a new field, plant chemical biology, to emerge and this has provided a powerful tool with which to study phytohormone function. Plant chemical biology is helping to address some of the most enduring questions in phytohormone research such as: Are there still undiscovered plant hormones? How can we identify novel signaling molecules? How can plants activate specific hormone responses in a tissue-specific manner? How can we modulate hormone responses in one developmental context without inducing detrimental effects on other processes? The chemical genomics approaches rely on the identification of small molecules modulating different biological processes and have recently identified active forms of plant hormones and molecules regulating many aspects of hormone synthesis, transport and response. We envision that the field of chemical genomics will continue to provide novel molecules able to elucidate specific aspects of hormone-mediated mechanisms. In addition, compounds blocking specific responses could uncover how complex biological responses are regulated. As we gain information about such compounds we can design small alterations to the chemical structure to further alter specificity, enhance affinity or modulate the activity of these compounds.

Molecular basis for the selective and ABA-independent inhibition of PP2CA by PYL13

PYR1/PYL/RCAR family proteins (PYLs) are well-characterized abscisic acid (ABA) receptors. Among the 14 PYL members in Arabidopsis thaliana, PYL13 is ABA irresponsive and its function has remained elusive. Here, we show that PYL13 selectively inhibits the phosphatase activity of PP2CA independent of ABA. The crystal structure of PYL13-PP2CA complex, which was determined at 2.4 Å resolution, elucidates the molecular basis for the specific recognition between PP2CA and PYL13. In addition to the canonical interactions between PYLs and PP2Cs, an extra interface is identified involving an element in the vicinity of a previously uncharacterized CCCH zinc-finger (ZF) motif in PP2CA. Sequence blast identified another 56 ZF-containing PP2Cs, all of which are from plants. The structure also reveals the molecular determinants for the ABA irresponsiveness of PYL13. Finally, biochemical analysis suggests that PYL13 may hetero-oligomerize with PYL10. These two PYLs antagonize each other in their respective ABA-independent inhibitions of PP2Cs. The biochemical and structural studies provide important insights into the function of PYL13 in the stress response of plant and set up a foundation for future biotechnological applications of PYL13.

The role of ABA and MAPK signaling pathways in plant abiotic stress responses

As sessile organisms, plants have developed specific mechanisms that allow them to rapidly perceive and respond to stresses in the environment. Among the evolutionarily conserved pathways, the ABA (abscisic acid) signaling pathway has been identified as a central regulator of abiotic stress response in plants, triggering major changes in gene expression and adaptive physiological responses. ABA induces protein kinases of the SnRK family to mediate a number of its responses. Recently, MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) cascades have also been shown to be implicated in ABA signaling. Therefore, besides discussing the role of ABA in abiotic stress signaling, we will also summarize the evidence for a role of MAPKs in the context of abiotic stress and ABA signaling.

An ABA-mimicking ligand that reduces water loss and promotes drought resistance in plants

Abscisic acid (ABA) is the most important hormone for plants to resist drought and other abiotic stresses. ABA binds directly to the PYR/PYL family of ABA receptors, resulting in inhibition of type 2C phosphatases (PP2C) and activation of downstream ABA signaling. It is envisioned that intervention of ABA signaling by small molecules could help plants to overcome abiotic stresses such as drought, cold and soil salinity. However, chemical instability and rapid catabolism by plant enzymes limit the practical application of ABA itself. Here we report the identification of a small molecule ABA mimic (AM1) that acts as a potent activator of multiple members of the family of ABA receptors. In Arabidopsis, AM1 activates a gene network that is highly similar to that induced by ABA. Treatments with AM1 inhibit seed germination, prevent leaf water loss, and promote drought resistance. We solved the crystal structure of AM1 in complex with the PYL2 ABA receptor and the HAB1 PP2C, which revealed that AM1 mediates a gate-latch-lock interacting network, a structural feature that is conserved in the ABA-bound receptor/PP2C complex. Together, these results demonstrate that a single small molecule ABA mimic can activate multiple ABA receptors and protect plants from water loss and drought stress. Moreover, the AM1 complex crystal structure provides a structural basis for designing the next generation of ABA-mimicking small molecules.

Structure and function of abscisic acid receptors

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in adaptive responses to environmental stresses, such as drought and high salinity, as well as in plant development, such as seed maturation and dormancy. PYR/PYL/RCAR has been identified as a bona fide ABA receptor (ABAR) that constitutes the core regulatory component of ABA signaling networks in plants. Here, we review recent structural and functional studies of the ABAR that have elucidated its activation mechanism, early signaling components, and physiological responses. A crucial event in the receptor's activation was found to be an open-to-closed conformational change in the gate loop of the receptor protein. More recent progress has provided strategies for controlling the gate's closure using chemical agonists or protein engineering approaches.

Protein conformation ensembles monitored by HDX reveal a structural rationale for abscisic acid signaling protein affinities and activities

Plants regulate growth and respond to environmental stress through abscisic acid (ABA) regulated pathways, and as such these pathways are of primary interest for biological and agricultural research. The ABA response is first perceived by the PYR/PYL/RCAR class of START protein receptors. These ABA activated receptors disrupt phosphatase inhibition of Snf1-related kinases (SnRKs), enabling kinase signaling. Here, insights into the structural mechanism of proteins in the ABA signaling pathway (the ABA receptor PYL2, HAB1 phosphatase, and two kinases, SnRK2.3 and 2.6) are discerned through hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry. HDX on the phosphatase in the presence of binding partners provides evidence for receptor-specific conformations involving the Trp385 "lock" that is necessary for signaling. Furthermore, kinase activity is linked to a more stable "closed" conformation. These solution-based studies complement the static crystal structures and provide a more detailed understanding of the ABA signaling pathway.

Function of the HD-Zip I gene Oshox22 in ABA-mediated drought and salt tolerances in rice

Oshox22 belongs to the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) family I of transcription factors, most of which have unknown functions. Here we show that the expression of Oshox22 is strongly induced by salt stress, abscisic acid (ABA), and polyethylene glycol treatment (PEG), and weakly by cold stress. Trans-activation assays in yeast and transient expression analyses in rice protoplasts demonstrated that Oshox22 is able to bind the CAAT(G/C)ATTG element and acts as a transcriptional activator that requires both the HD and Zip domains. Rice plants homozygous for a T-DNA insertion in the promoter region of Oshox22 showed reduced Oshox22 expression and ABA content, decreased sensitivity to ABA, and enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stresses at the seedling stage. In contrast, transgenic rice over-expressing Oshox22 showed increased sensitivity to ABA, increased ABA content, and decreased drought and salt tolerances. Based on these results, we conclude that Oshox22 affects ABA biosynthesis and regulates drought and salt responses through ABA-mediated signal transduction pathways.

The ABA signal transduction mechanism in commercial crops: learning from Arabidopsis

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) affects a wide range of stages of plant development as well as the plant's response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Manipulation of ABA signaling in commercial crops holds promising potential for improving crop yields. Several decades of research have been invested in attempts to identify the first components of the ABA signaling cascade. It was only in 2009, that two independent groups identified the PYR/PYL/RCAR protein family as the plant ABA receptor. This finding was followed by a surge of studies on ABA signal transduction, many of them using Arabidopsis as their model. The ABA signaling cascade was found to consist of a double-negative regulatory mechanism assembled from three protein families. These include the ABA receptors, the PP2C family of inhibitors, and the kinase family, SnRK2. It was found that ABA-bound PYR/RCARs inhibit PP2C activity, and that PP2Cs inactivate SnRK2s. Researchers today are examining how the elucidation of the ABA signaling cascade in Arabidopsis can be applied to improvements in commercial agriculture. In this article, we have attempted to review recent studies which address this issue. In it, we discuss various approaches useful in identifying the genetic and protein components involved. Finally, we suggest possible commercial applications of genetic manipulation of ABA signaling to improve crop yields.

Pyrabactin, an ABA agonist, induced stomatal closure and changes in signalling components of guard cells in abaxial epidermis of Pisum sativum

Pyrabactin, a synthetic agonist of abscisic acid (ABA), inhibits seed germination and hypocotyl growth and stimulates gene expression in a very similar way to ABA, implying the possible modulation of stomatal function by pyrabactin as well. The effect of pyrabactin on stomatal closure and secondary messengers was therefore studied in guard cells of Pisum sativum abaxial epidermis. Pyrabactin caused marked stomatal closure in a pattern similar to ABA. In addition, pyrabactin elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and cytoplasmic pH levels in guard cells, as indicated by the respective fluorophores. However, apyrabactin, an inactive analogue of ABA, did not affect either stomatal closure or the signalling components of guard cells. The effects of pyrabactin-induced changes were reversed by pharmalogical compounds that modulate ROS, NO or cytoplasmic pH levels, quite similar to ABA effects. Fusicoccin, a fungal toxin, could reverse the stomatal closure caused by pyrabactin, as well as that caused by ABA. Experiments on stomatal closure by varying concentrations of ABA, in the presence of fixed concentration of pyrabactin, and vice versa, revealed that the actions of ABA and pyrabactin were additive. Further kinetic analysis of data revealed that the apparent K(D) of ABA was increased almost 4-fold in the presence of ABA, suggesting that pyrabactin and ABA were competing with each other either at the same site or close to the active site. It is proposed that pyrabactin could be used to examine the ABA-related signal-transduction components in stomatal guard cells as well as in other plant tissues. It is also suggested that pyrabactin can be used as an antitranspirant or as a priming agent for improving the drought tolerance of crop plants.

Abscisic acid and CO2 signalling via calcium sensitivity priming in guard cells, new CDPK mutant phenotypes and a method for improved resolution of stomatal stimulus-response analyses

BACKGROUND

Stomatal guard cells are the regulators of gas exchange between plants and the atmosphere. Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent mechanisms function in these responses. Key stomatal regulation mechanisms, including plasma membrane and vacuolar ion channels have been identified and are regulated by the free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)).

SCOPE

Here we show that CO(2)-induced stomatal closing is strongly impaired under conditions that prevent intracellular Ca(2+) elevations. Moreover, Ca(2+) oscillation-induced stomatal closing is partially impaired in knock-out mutations in several guard cell-expressed Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) here, including the cpk4cpk11 double and cpk10 mutants; however, abscisic acid-regulated stomatal movements remain relatively intact in the cpk4cpk11 and cpk10 mutants. We further discuss diverse studies of Ca(2+) signalling in guard cells, discuss apparent peculiarities, and pose novel open questions. The recently proposed Ca(2+) sensitivity priming model could account for many of the findings in the field. Recent research shows that the stomatal closing stimuli abscisic acid and CO(2) enhance the sensitivity of stomatal closing mechanisms to intracellular Ca(2+), which has been termed 'calcium sensitivity priming'. The genome of the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana encodes for over 250 Ca(2+)-sensing proteins, giving rise to the question, how can specificity in Ca(2+) responses be achieved? Calcium sensitivity priming could provide a key mechanism contributing to specificity in eukaryotic Ca(2+) signal transduction, a topic of central interest in cell signalling research. In this article we further propose an individual stomatal tracking method for improved analyses of stimulus-regulated stomatal movements in Arabidopsis guard cells that reduces noise and increases fidelity in stimulus-regulated stomatal aperture responses ( Box 1). This method is recommended for stomatal response research, in parallel to previously adopted blind analyses, due to the relatively small and diverse sizes of stomatal apertures in the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

SnRK2 protein kinases--key regulators of plant response to abiotic stresses

The SnRK2 family members are plant-specific serine/threonine kinases involved in plant response to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent plant development. SnRK2s have been classed into three groups; group 1 comprises kinases not activated by ABA, group 2 comprises kinases not activated or activated very weakly by ABA, and group 3 comprises kinases strongly activated by ABA. So far, the ABA-dependent kinases belonging to group 3 have been studied most thoroughly. They are considered major regulators of plant response to ABA. The regulation of the plant response to ABA via SnRK2s pathways occurs by direct phosphorylation of various downstream targets, for example, SLAC1, KAT1, AtRbohF, and transcription factors required for the expression of numerous stress response genes. Members of group 2 share some cellular functions with group 3 kinases; however, their contribution to ABA-related responses is not clear. There are strong indications that they are positive regulators of plant responses to water deficit. Most probably they complement the ABA-dependent kinases in plant defense against environmental stress. So far, data concerning the physiological role of ABA-independent SnRK2s are very limited; it is to be expected they will be studied extensively in the nearest future.

Potent and selective activation of abscisic acid receptors in vivo by mutational stabilization of their agonist-bound conformation

Pyrabactin resistance (PYR) 1 and its relatives belong to a family of soluble abscisic acid (ABA) receptors that inhibit type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) when in their agonist-stabilized conformation. Given their switch-like properties, we envisioned that mutations that stabilize their agonist-bound conformation could be used to activate signaling in vivo. To identify such mutations, we subjected PYR1 to site-saturation mutagenesis at 39 highly conserved residues that participate in ABA or PP2C contacts. All 741 possible single amino acid substitutions at these sites were tested to identify variants that increase basal PYR1-PP2C interactions, which uncovered activating mutations in 10 residues that preferentially cluster in PYR1's gate loop and C-terminal helix. The mutations cause measurable but incomplete receptor activation in vitro; however, specific triple and quadruple mutant combinations were constructed that promote an agonist-bound conformation, as measured by heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR, and lead to full receptor activation. Moreover, these mutations retain functionality when introduced into divergent family members, and can therefore be used to dissect individual receptor function in vivo, which has been problematic because of redundancy and family size. Expression of activated PYL2 in Arabidopsis seeds activates ABA signaling by a number of measures: modulation of ABA-regulated gene expression, induction of hyperdormancy, and suppression of ABA deficiency phenotypes in the aba2-1 mutant. Our results set the stage for systematic gain-of-function studies of PYR1 and related ABA receptors and reveal that, despite the large number of receptors, activation of a single receptor is sufficient to activate signaling in planta.

Protein phosphatases, from molecules to networks

The third EMBO-sponsored 'Europhosphatases' meeting brought together 180 participants with a wide range of backgrounds and research interests to discuss the current status of research on phosphatases. It became clear at this meeting that the field is very active, and just as diverse as its members. This report highlights some of the transformative research presented at the meeting.

Molecular mimicry regulates ABA signaling by SnRK2 kinases and PP2C phosphatases

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an essential hormone for plants to survive environmental stresses. At the center of the ABA signaling network is a subfamily of type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs), which form exclusive interactions with ABA receptors and subfamily 2 Snfl-related kinase (SnRK2s). Here, we report a SnRK2-PP2C complex structure, which reveals marked similarity in PP2C recognition by SnRK2 and ABA receptors. In the complex, the kinase activation loop docks into the active site of PP2C, while the conserved ABA-sensing tryptophan of PP2C inserts into the kinase catalytic cleft, thus mimicking receptor-PP2C interactions. These structural results provide a simple mechanism that directly couples ABA binding to SnRK2 kinase activation and highlight a new paradigm of kinase-phosphatase regulation through mutual packing of their catalytic sites.

Nitric oxide and ABA in the control of plant function

Abscisic acid (ABA) and nitric oxide (NO) are both extremely important signalling molecules employed by plants to control many aspects of physiology. ABA has been extensively studied in the mechanisms which control stomatal movement as well as in seed dormancy and germination and plant development. The addition of either ABA or NO to plant cells is known to instigate the actions of many signal transduction components. Both may have an influence on the phosphorylation of proteins in cells mediated by effects on protein kinases and phosphatases, as well as recruiting a wide range of other signal transduction molecules to mediate the final effects. Both ABA and NO may also lead to the regulation of gene expression. However, it is becoming more apparent that NO may be acting downstream of ABA, with such action being mediated by reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide in some cases. However not all ABA responses require the action of NO. Here, examples of where ABA and NO have been put together into the same signal transduction pathways are discussed.

News on ABA transport, protein degradation, and ABFs/WRKYs in ABA signaling

The recent identification of abscisic acid (ABA) transporters provides an important insight into the delivery of ABA from the vascular system and its uptake by target cells. A putative connection with PYR/PYL receptors is envisaged, linking ABA uptake and intracellular perception by a fast and efficient mechanism. Downstream signaling of the core pathway involves regulation of ABA-responsive element binding factors (ABFs/AREBs) through phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation in the case of ABI5. Several E3 ligases appear to regulate ABA signaling either positively or negatively, although relatively few targets are known yet. ABFs/AREBs are themselves subjected to transcriptional regulation, and some transcription factors (TFs) harboring the WRKY domain (WRKYs) appear to regulate their expression through W-box sequences present in the promoters of ABFs/AREBs.

FaPYR1 is involved in strawberry fruit ripening

Although the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) has been suggested to play a role in the ripening of non-climatic fruit, direct genetic/molecular evidence is lacking. In the present study, a strawberry gene homologous to the Arabidopsis ABA receptor gene PYR1, named FaPYR1, was isolated and characterized. The 627 bp cDNA includes an intact open reading frame that encodes a deduced protein of 208 amino acids, in which putative conserved domains were detected by homology analysis. Using tobacco rattle virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), the FaPYR1 gene was silenced in strawberry fruit. Down-regulation of the FaPYR1 gene not only significantly delayed fruit ripening, but also markedly altered ABA content, ABA sensitivity, and a set of ABA-responsive gene transcripts, including ABI1 and SnRK2. Furthermore, the loss of red colouring in FaPYR1 RNAi (RNA interference) fruits could not be rescued by exogenously applied ABA, which could promote the ripening of wild-type fruits. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the putative ABA receptor FaPYR1 acts as a positive regulator in strawberry fruit ripening. It was also revealed that the application of the VIGS technique in strawberry fruit could be used as a novel tool for studying strawberry fruit development.

A thermodynamic switch modulates abscisic acid receptor sensitivity

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key hormone regulating plant growth, development and the response to biotic and abiotic stress. ABA binding to pyrabactin resistance (PYR)/PYR1-like (PYL)/Regulatory Component of Abscisic acid Receptor (RCAR) intracellular receptors promotes the formation of stable complexes with certain protein phosphatases type 2C (PP2Cs), leading to the activation of ABA signalling. The PYR/PYL/RCAR family contains 14 genes in Arabidopsis and is currently the largest plant hormone receptor family known; however, it is unclear what functional differentiation exists among receptors. Here, we identify two distinct classes of receptors, dimeric and monomeric, with different intrinsic affinities for ABA and whose differential properties are determined by the oligomeric state of their apo forms. Moreover, we find a residue in PYR1, H60, that is variable between family members and plays a key role in determining oligomeric state. In silico modelling of the ABA activation pathway reveals that monomeric receptors have a competitive advantage for binding to ABA and PP2Cs. This work illustrates how receptor oligomerization can modulate hormonal responses and more generally, the sensitivity of a ligand-dependent signalling system.

Importance of ABA homeostasis under terminal drought stress in regulating grain filling events

Recent studies suggest that abscisic acid (ABA) at its basal level plays an important role during seed set and grain filling events. Under drought stress ABA levels were found to be significantly enhanced in the developing seed. Until now we lack an understanding of (A) ABA homeostasis in developing seeds under terminal drought and (B) the interactive role of ABA in regulating the starch biosynthesis pathway in developing grains under terminal drought. We have recently reported the possible regulation of ABA homeostasis in source (flag leaf) and sink (developing grains) tissues under post-anthesis drought stress in barley and concluded that significantly enhanced ABA levels in developing grains are due to strong activation of the ABA deconjugation pathway and fine regulation of the ABA biosynthesis-degradation pathway.1 Additionally, we provided evidence for the role of ABA in differential regulation of starch biosynthesis genes and a significant upregulation of starch degradation beta amylase genes under drought, i.e. ABA not only influences the rate of starch accumulation but also starch quality.

Abscisic acid signal off the STARting block

The year 2009 marked a real turnaround in our understanding of the mode of abscisic acid (ABA) action. Nearly 25 years had elapsed since the first biochemical detection of ABA-binding proteins in the plasmalemma of Vicia guard cells was reported. This recent--and laudable--achievement is owed largely to the discovery of the soluble ABA receptors whose major interacting proteins happen to be some of the most well-established components of earliest steps in ABA signaling. These soluble receptors, with the double name of PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE (PYR) or REGULATORY COMPONENT OF ABA RECEPTOR (RCAR), are a family of Arabidopsis proteins of about 150-200 amino acids that share a conserved START domain. The ABA signal transduction circuitry under non-stress conditions is muted by the clade A protein phosphatases 2C (PP2C) (notably HAB1, ABI1, and ABI2). During the initial steps of ABA signaling, the binding of the hormone to the receptor induces a conformational change in the latter that allows it to sequester the PP2Cs. This excludes them from the negative regulation of the downstream ABA-activated kinases (OST1/SnRK2.6/SRK2E, SnRK2.2, and SnRK2.3), thus unleashing the pathway by freeing them to phosphorylate downstream targets that now include several b-ZIP transcription factors, ion channels (SLAC1, KAT1), and a NADPH oxidase (AtrbohF). The discovery of this family of soluble receptors and the rich insight already gained from structural studies of their complexes with different isoforms of ABA, PP2C, and the synthetic agonist pyrabactin lay the foundation towards rational design of chemical switches that can bolster drought hardiness in plants.

Abscisic acid receptors: past, present and future

Jin-Gui Chen (Corresponding author) Abscisic acid (ABA) is the key plant stress hormone. Consistent with the earlier studies in support of the presence of both membrane- and cytoplasm-localized ABA receptors, recent studies have identified multiple ABA receptors located in various subcellular locations. These include a chloroplast envelope-localized receptor (the H subunit of Chloroplast Mg(2+) -chelatase/ABA Receptor), two plasma membrane-localized receptors (G-protein Coupled Receptor 2 and GPCR-type G proteins), and one cytosol/nucleus-localized Pyrabactin Resistant (PYR)/PYR-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component of ABA Receptor 1 (RCAR). Although the downstream molecular events for most of the identified ABA receptors are currently unknown, one of them, PYR/PYL/RCAR was found to directly bind and regulate the activity of a long-known central regulator of ABA signaling, the A-group protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C). Together with the Sucrose Non-fermentation Kinase Subfamily 2 (SnRK2s) protein kinases, a central signaling complex (ABA-PYR-PP2Cs-SnRK2s) that is responsible for ABA signal perception and transduction is supported by abundant genetic, physiological, biochemical and structural evidence. The identification of multiple ABA receptors has advanced our understanding of ABA signal perception and transduction while adding an extra layer of complexity.