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The MdPIF4-MdBCH1/MdLCYB2 module regulates drought resistance in apple via the xanthophyll cycle and ABA
Hongtao Wang1, Yuchen Tian1, Yu Song1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
Abstract:
Drought stress affects plant growth and development. Zeaxanthin, as the key substance of the xanthophyll cycle and the precursor to abscisic acid (ABA), whose synthesis depends on light, can quickly respond to drought stress and enhance plant drought tolerance. However, the molecular mechanism by which zeaxanthin adapts to drought stress is still unclear. In this study, the application of exogenous zeaxanthin via spraying was confirmed to alleviate the damage caused by drought stress in apple seedlings, and MdBCH1 and MdLCYB2, which encode proteins that catalyze zeaxanthin synthesis, enhanced drought resistance by accelerating the lutein cycle and ABA synthesis. Furthermore, a transcription factor, MdPIF4, was identified as effectively reducing the contents of zeaxanthin and ABA and negatively regulating drought resistance. Further studies confirmed that MdPIF4 inhibits zeaxanthin biosynthesis by binding to the promoters of MdBCH1 and MdLCYB2. Therefore, this study revealed the regulation of drought resistance and zeaxanthin homeostasis in apple by the MdPIF4-MdBCH1/MdLCYB2 module. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance in plants.
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