The Cold-Inducible CBF1 Factor–Dependent Signaling Pathway Modulates the Accumulation of the Growth-Repressing DELLA Proteins via Its Effect on Gibberellin Metabolism

Plants have evolved robust mechanisms to respond and adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions, such as low temperature. The C-repeat/drought-responsive element binding factor CBF1/DREB1b gene encodes a transcriptional activator transiently induced by cold that controls the expression of a set of genes responding to low temperature (the CBF regulon). Constitutive expression of CBF1 confers freezing tolerance but also slows growth. Here, we propose that low temperature-induced CBF1 expression restrains growth at least in part by allowing the accumulation of DELLAs, a family of nuclear growth-repressing proteins, the degradation of which is stimulated by gibberellin (GA). We show that cold/CBF1 enhances the…

• EM
  European Molecular Biology Organization

  Award: ALTF-414-2005
• AN
  Agence Nationale de la Recherche
• CN
  Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
• DF
  Directorate for Biological Sciences
• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Award: BBS/E/C/00004954