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The small-molecule pifithrin-α deactivates ETR1 to repress shade avoidance in Arabidopsis
Wenjing Liang1, Sha Huang1, Xinran Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plants Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
Science Advances
|August 13, 2025
Summary
Pifithrin-α (PFT-α) suppresses shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) in plants by mimicking ethylene. This compound deactivates a key ethylene receptor, inhibiting shade-induced growth and offering potential for sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) negatively impacts plant health and crop yield.
- Understanding SAS mechanisms is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify compounds that suppress SAS.
- Elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SAS suppression.
Main Methods:
- Phenotype-based chemical screening in *Arabidopsis*.
- Genetic, biochemical, and molecular analyses.
- Investigated the role of ethylene signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- Pifithrin-α (PFT-α) was identified as a SAS suppressor.
- PFT-α deactivates ethylene receptor 1 (ETR1), mimicking ethylene.
- Accumulated ethylene-insensitive 3 (EIN3) inhibits shade-induced hypocotyl elongation by regulating *PIF4* and *PIF7* expression.
Conclusions:
- PFT-α acts as a potent ethylene mimic, impacting plant development.
- Provides molecular insights into SAS regulation.
- PFT-α shows potential for modulating SAS in agricultural applications.
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