High-Throughput Fluorescence Screening Enables Globally Consistent Identification of ABA Signaling Modulators

Frequent exposure to environmental stresses can potentially reduce plant yield by up to 60%. The regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, especially its core receptors, is crucial for the adaptation of plants to environmental stress. However, efficient identification of ABA-signaling modulators remains a challenge. Here, a global high-throughput fluorescence screening (GhitFluors) platform is established to efficiently identify ABA signaling modulators. The GhitFluors platform yields a similar tendency for binding affinity to that determined by classical methods. Diopyridin is effectively identified, a regulator with strong binding affinity to Pyrabactin Resistance 1 (PYR1), and more than 80% inhibitory activity against HAB1, which is equivalent to ABA. Additionally, it can also effectively mitigate the adverse effects of drought on plants. The findings promise the start of a new era for achieving high-efficiency identification ABA signaling modulators.