Transcriptional regulatory network of plant cold-stress responses

HighlightsDREB1/CBF transcription factors function as master regulators in the transcriptional regulatory network for acquiring cold-stress tolerance, and DREB1 genes themselves are rapidly induced by cold stress.Arabidopsis thaliana uses two different signaling pathways for inducing the expression of DREB1 genes in response to cold stress.In one signaling pathway, CAMTA transcription factors containing a calmodulin-binding domain activate DREB1 expression in response to a rapid temperature decrease.In the other signaling pathway, multiple circadian clock-related transcription factors regulate DREB1 expression during the daytime. Their post-translational regulation triggers the expression of many cold-inducible genes including DREB1.Several membrane-localized proteins associated with cytosolic Ca2+ increases, photoreceptors, and core components of the circadian clock can perceive temperature decreases.AbstractRecent studies have revealed the complex and flexible transcriptional regulatory network involved in cold-stress responses. Focusing on two major signaling pathways that respond to cold stress, we outline current knowledge of the transcriptional regulatory network and the post-translational regulation of transcription factors in the network. Cold-stress signaling pathways are closely associated with other signaling pathways such as those related to the circadian clock, and large amounts of data on their crosstalk and tradeoffs are available. However, it remains unknown how plants sense and transmit cold-stress signals to regulate gene expression. We discuss recent reports on cold-stress sensing and associated signaling pathways that regulate the network. We also emphasize future directions for developing abiotic stress-tolerant crop plants.