ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 5 confers cold tolerance by regulating MdCBF3 and MdJAZ1/3 in apple

Area of Science:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Apple trees face significant losses due to cold stress.
• Understanding cold stress molecular mechanisms is crucial for improving crop resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the MdABI5 gene in apple cold tolerance.
• To elucidate the regulatory network involving MdABI5, MdCBF3, MdJAZ1/3, MdTCP15, and MdHDA6 in cold response.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression analysis
• Promoter binding assays
• Protein-protein interaction studies
• Histone modification analysis

Main Results:

• MdABI5 positively regulates cold tolerance in apple.
• MdABI5 directly controls MdCBF3 and MdJAZ1/3 expression.
• MdTCP15 negatively impacts MdABI5's regulation of cold-response genes.
• MdHDA6 enhances MdABI5's repression of MdJAZ1/3, boosting cold tolerance.

Conclusions:

• MdABI5 is a key positive regulator of cold tolerance in apple.
• The MdTCP15 and MdHDA6 proteins modulate MdABI5's function in cold stress response.
• Findings provide a molecular foundation for breeding cold-resistant apple varieties.