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Yuan L, Avello P, Zhu Z, Lock SCL, McCarthy K, Redmond EJ, Davis AM, Song Y, Ezer D, Pitchford JW, Quint M, Xie Q, Xu X, Davis SJ, Ronald J. Complex epistatic interactions between ELF3, PRR9, and PRR7 regulate the circadian clock and plant physiology. Genetics 2024; 226:iyad217. [PMID: 38142447 PMCID: PMC10917503 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks are endogenous timekeeping mechanisms that coordinate internal physiological responses with the external environment. EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR9), and PRR7 are essential components of the plant circadian clock and facilitate entrainment of the clock to internal and external stimuli. Previous studies have highlighted a critical role for ELF3 in repressing the expression of PRR9 and PRR7. However, the functional significance of activity in regulating circadian clock dynamics and plant development is unknown. To explore this regulatory dynamic further, we first employed mathematical modeling to simulate the effect of the prr9/prr7 mutation on the elf3 circadian phenotype. These simulations suggested that simultaneous mutations in prr9/prr7 could rescue the elf3 circadian arrhythmia. Following these simulations, we generated all Arabidopsis elf3/prr9/prr7 mutant combinations and investigated their circadian and developmental phenotypes. Although these assays could not replicate the results from the mathematical modeling, our results have revealed a complex epistatic relationship between ELF3 and PRR9/7 in regulating different aspects of plant development. ELF3 was essential for hypocotyl development under ambient and warm temperatures, while PRR9 was critical for root thermomorphogenesis. Finally, mutations in prr9 and prr7 rescued the photoperiod-insensitive flowering phenotype of the elf3 mutant. Together, our results highlight the importance of investigating the genetic relationship among plant circadian genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Paula Avello
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Zihao Zhu
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06108, Germany
| | - Sarah C L Lock
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Kayla McCarthy
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Ethan J Redmond
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Amanda M Davis
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Daphne Ezer
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jonathan W Pitchford
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Marcel Quint
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06108, Germany
| | - Qiguang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Seth J Davis
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - James Ronald
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bower Building, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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2
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Janitza P, Zhu Z, Anwer MU, van Zanten M, Delker C. A Guide to Quantify Arabidopsis Seedling Thermomorphogenesis at Single Timepoints and by Interval Monitoring. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2795:3-16. [PMID: 38594522 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3814-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Temperature-induced elongation of hypocotyls, petioles, and roots, together with hyponastic leaf responses, constitute key model phenotypes that can be used to assess a plant's capacity for thermomorphogenesis. Phenotypic responses are often quantified at a single time point during seedling development at different temperatures. However, to capture growth dynamics, several time points need to be assessed, and ideally continuous measurements are taken. Here we describe a general experimental setup and technical solutions for recording and measuring seedling phenotypes at single and multiple time points. Furthermore, we present an R-package called "rootdetectR," which allows easy processing of hypocotyl, root or petiole length, and growth rate data and provides different options of data presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janitza
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Zihao Zhu
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Muhammad Usman Anwer
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Molecular Genetics and Physiology of Plants, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martijn van Zanten
- Plant Stress Resilience, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carolin Delker
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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3
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Yang X, Guan H, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Su W, Song S, Liu H, Chen R, Hao Y. Extra- and intranuclear heat perception and triggering mechanisms in plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1276649. [PMID: 37860244 PMCID: PMC10582638 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1276649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The escalating impact of global warming on crop yield and quality poses a significant threat to future food supplies. Breeding heat-resistant crop varieties holds promise, but necessitates a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant heat tolerance. Recent studies have shed light on the initial events of heat perception in plants. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress made in unraveling the mechanisms of heat perception and response in plants. Calcium ion (Ca2+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide (NO) have emerged as key participants in heat perception. Furthermore, we discuss the potential roles of the NAC transcription factor NTL3, thermo-tolerance 3.1 (TT3.1), and Target of temperature 3 (TOT3) as thermosensors associated with the plasma membrane. Additionally, we explore the involvement of cytoplasmic HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 (HDA9), mRNA encoding the phytochrome-interacting factor 7 (PIF7), and chloroplasts in mediating heat perception. This review also highlights the role of intranuclear transcriptional condensates formed by phytochrome B (phyB), EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), and guanylate-binding protein (GBP)-like GTPase 3 (GBPL3) in heat perception. Finally, we raise the unresolved questions in the field of heat perception that require further investigation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Riyuan Chen
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Zhu Z, Esche F, Babben S, Trenner J, Serfling A, Pillen K, Maurer A, Quint M. An exotic allele of barley EARLY FLOWERING 3 contributes to developmental plasticity at elevated temperatures. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:2912-2931. [PMID: 36449391 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Increase in ambient temperatures caused by climate change affects various morphological and developmental traits of plants, threatening crop yield stability. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) plays prominent roles in temperature sensing and thermomorphogenesis signal transduction. However, how crop species respond to elevated temperatures is poorly understood. Here, we show that the barley ortholog of AtELF3 interacts with high temperature to control growth and development. We used heterogeneous inbred family (HIF) pairs generated from a segregating mapping population and systematically studied the role of exotic ELF3 variants in barley temperature responses. An exotic ELF3 allele of Syrian origin promoted elongation growth in barley at elevated temperatures, whereas plant area and estimated biomass were drastically reduced, resulting in an open canopy architecture. The same allele accelerated inflorescence development at high temperature, which correlated with early transcriptional induction of MADS-box floral identity genes BM3 and BM8. Consequently, barley plants carrying the exotic ELF3 allele displayed stable total grain number at elevated temperatures. Our findings therefore demonstrate that exotic ELF3 variants can contribute to phenotypic and developmental acclimation to elevated temperatures, providing a stimulus for breeding of climate-resilient crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Zhu
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Finn Esche
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Steve Babben
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jana Trenner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Albrecht Serfling
- Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Julius Kuehn-Institute, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, D-06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pillen
- Chair of Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Chair of Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Quint
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Zahn T, Zhu Z, Ritoff N, Krapf J, Junker A, Altmann T, Schmutzer T, Tüting C, Kastritis PL, Babben S, Quint M, Pillen K, Maurer A. Novel exotic alleles of EARLY FLOWERING 3 determine plant development in barley. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023:erad127. [PMID: 37010230 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) is an important regulator of various physiological and developmental processes and hence may serve to improve plant adaptation which will be substantial for future plant breeding. To expand the limited knowledge on barley ELF3 in determining agronomic traits, we conducted field studies with heterogeneous inbred families (HIFs) derived from selected lines of the wild barley nested association mapping population HEB-25. During two growing seasons, phenotypes of nearly isogenic HIF sister lines, segregating for exotic and cultivated alleles at the ELF3 locus, were compared for ten developmental and yield-related traits. We determine novel exotic ELF3 alleles and show that HIF lines, carrying the exotic ELF3 allele, accelerated plant development compared to the cultivated ELF3 allele, depending on the genetic background. Remarkably, the most extreme effects on phenology could be attributed to one exotic ELF3 allele differing from the cultivated Barke ELF3 allele in only one SNP. This SNP causes an amino acid substitution (W669G), which predictively has an impact on the protein structure of ELF3, thereby possibly affecting phase separation behaviour and nano-compartment formation of ELF3 and, potentially, also affecting its local cellular interactions causing significant trait differences between HIF sister lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Zahn
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Zihao Zhu
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Niklas Ritoff
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonathan Krapf
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Astrid Junker
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Thomas Altmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmutzer
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Tüting
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Panagiotis L Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Steve Babben
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Quint
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 5, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Pillen
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Plant Breeding, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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FaesAP3_1 Regulates the FaesELF3 Gene Involved in Filament-Length Determination of Long-Homostyle Fagopyrum esculentum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214403. [PMID: 36430880 PMCID: PMC9694435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification downstream genes of floral organ identity regulators are critical to revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying floral morphogenesis. However, a general regulatory pathway between floral organ identity genes and their downstream targets is still unclear because of the lack of studies in nonmodel species. Here, we screened a direct downstream target gene, FaesELF3, of a stamen identity transcription factor, FaesAP3_1, in long-homostyle (LH) Fagopyrum esculentum moench by using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter (DR) assays. Furthermore, FaesAP3_1-silenced LH plants that produced flowers with part stamens or anthers homeotically converted into a tepaloid structure, and FaesELF3-silenced plants that had flowers with part stamens consisting of a short filament and empty anther (male sterile anther). All these suggested that transcription factor (TF) FaesAP3_1 directly activates FaesELF3 in order to regulate filament elongation and pollen grain development in LH buckwheat. Our data also suggested that other stamen development pathways independent of FaesAP3_1 remain in F. esculentum.
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Oravec MW, Greenham K. The adaptive nature of the plant circadian clock in natural environments. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:968-980. [PMID: 35894658 PMCID: PMC9516730 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The plant circadian clock coordinates developmental, physiological, and metabolic processes with diel changes in light and temperature throughout the year. The balance between the persistence and plasticity of the clock in response to predictable and unpredictable environmental changes may be key to the clock's adaptive nature across temporal and spatial scales. Studies under controlled conditions have uncovered critical signaling pathways involved in light and temperature perception by the clock; however, they don't account for the natural lag of temperature behind photoperiod. Studies in natural environments provide key insights into the clock's adaptive advantage under more complex natural settings. Here, we discuss the role of the circadian clock in light and temperature perception and signaling, how the clock integrates these signals for a coordinated and adaptive response, and the adaptive advantage conferred by the clock across time and space in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline W Oravec
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
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The intersection between circadian and heat-responsive regulatory networks controls plant responses to increasing temperatures. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1151-1165. [PMID: 35758233 PMCID: PMC9246330 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing temperatures impact plant biochemistry, but the effects can be highly variable. Both external and internal factors modulate how plants respond to rising temperatures. One such factor is the time of day or season the temperature increase occurs. This timing significantly affects plant responses to higher temperatures altering the signaling networks and affecting tolerance levels. Increasing overlaps between circadian signaling and high temperature responses have been identified that could explain this sensitivity to the timing of heat stress. ELF3, a circadian clock component, functions as a thermosensor. ELF3 regulates thermoresponsive hypocotyl elongation in part through its cellular localization. The temperature sensitivity of ELF3 depends on the length of a polyglutamine region, explaining how plant temperature responses vary between species. However, the intersection between the circadian system and increased temperature stress responses is pervasive and extends beyond this overlap in thermosensing. Here, we review the network responses to increased temperatures, heat stress, and the impacts on the mechanisms of gene expression from transcription to translation, highlighting the intersections between the elevated temperature and heat stress response pathways and circadian signaling, focusing on the role of ELF3 as a thermosensor.
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Noguchi M, Kodama Y. Temperature Sensing in Plants: On the Dawn of Molecular Thermosensor Research. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 63:737-743. [PMID: 35348773 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies on plant growth and development focus on the effects of light, a growing number of studies dissect plant responses to temperature and the underlying signaling pathways. The identity of plant thermosensing molecules (thermosensors) acting upstream of the signaling cascades in temperature responses was elusive until recently. During the past six years, a set of plant thermosensors has been discovered, representing a major turning point in the research on plant temperature responses and signaling. Here, we review these newly discovered plant thermosensors, which can be classified as sensors of warmth or cold. We compare between plant thermosensors and those from other organisms and attempt to define the subcellular thermosensing compartments in plants. In addition, we discuss the notion that photoreceptive thermosensors represent a novel class of thermosensors, the roles of which have yet to be described in non-plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Noguchi
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, 321-8505 Japan
- Graduate School of Regional Development and Creativity, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, 321-8505 Japan
| | - Yutaka Kodama
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, 321-8505 Japan
- Graduate School of Regional Development and Creativity, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, 321-8505 Japan
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