Phosphorylation of cellulose synthases in plant responses to environmental changes

Cellulose, synthesized by cellulose synthase (CESA) complexes, is an essential component of plant cell walls; defects in cellulose synthesis compromise cell wall integrity. The maintenance of this integrity is vital for plant growth, development, and stress responses. Consequently, plants must continuously synthesize and remodel their cell walls, a process intricately linked to cellulose biosynthesis. Phosphorylation modifications at specific sites on cellulose synthase represent a critical regulatory mechanism governing the dynamics of CESA complexes. In this minireview, we summarize the phosphorylation sites responsive to environmental factors in CESAs and discuss how alterations in phosphorylation status influence plant adaptation to environmental conditions as well as the dynamics of CESA complexes. Additionally, we propose potential upstream kinases targeting CESAs along with their respective target sites. Our efforts aim to enhance understanding of CESA phosphorylation's role in facilitating plant adaptation to environmental challenges.