A R2R3 Type MYB Transcription Factor Is Involved in the Cold Regulation of CBF Genes and in Acquired Freezing Tolerance

Cold temperatures trigger the expression of the CBF family of transcription factors, which in turn activate many downstream genes that confer freezing tolerance to plants. It has been shown previously that the cold regulation of CBF3 involves an upstream bHLH-type transcription factor, ICE1. ICE1 binds to the Myc recognition sequences in the CBF3 promoter. Apart from Myc recognition sequences, CBF promoters also have Myb recognition sequences. We report here that the Arabidopsis MYB15 is involved in cold-regulation of CBF genes and in the development of freezing tolerance. The MYB15 gene transcript is up-regulated by cold stress. The MYB15 protein interacts with ICE1 and binds to Myb recognition sequences in…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: 0241450
• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: GM059138, R01 GM059138