The calcium signaling module CaM-IQM destabilizes IAA-ARF interaction to regulate callus and lateral root formation

Induction of a pluripotent cell mass, called callus, from detached organs is an initial step in in vitro plant regeneration, during which phytohormone auxin-induced ectopic activation of a root developmental program has been shown to be required for subsequent de novo regeneration of shoots and roots. However, whether other signals are involved in governing callus formation, and thus plant regeneration capability, remains largely unclear. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling module CALMODULIN IQ-MOTIF CONTAINING PROTEIN (CaM-IQM) interacts with auxin signaling to regulate callus and lateral root formation. We show that disruption of IQMs or CaMs retards auxin-induced callus and lateral root formation by dampening auxin responsiveness, and that CaM-IQM complexes physically interact with the auxin signaling repressors INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE (IAA) proteins in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. We further provide evidence that the physical interaction of CaM6 with IAA19 destabilizes the repressive interaction of IAA19 with AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 7 (ARF7), and thus regulates auxin-induced callus formation. These findings not only define a critical role of CaM-IQM-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in callus and lateral root formation, but also provide insight into the interplay of Ca²⁺ signaling and auxin actions during plant regeneration and development.