Phosphorylation of OsABA2 at Ser197 by OsMPK1 regulates abscisic acid biosynthesis in rice

The mitogen-activated protein kinase OsMPK1 is involved in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of OsMPK1 in regulating ABA biosynthesis are poorly understood. Here, by using yeast two-hybrid assay and firefly luciferase complementary imaging assay, we show that OsMPK1 physically interact with a short-chain dehydrogenase protein OsABA2. However, OsMPK5, a homolog of OsMPK1, does not interact with OsABA2. Further, OsMPK1 can phosphorylate OsABA2S197 in vitro. Phosphorylation at the position of OsABA2S197 does not affect its subcellular localization, but enhances the stability of OsABA2 protein. We also found that OsABA2 has feedback regulation on OsMPK1 kinase activity. Further research reveals that OsMPK1 and OsABA2 coordinately regulate the biosynthesis of ABA, and phosphorylation of OsABA2 at Ser197 by OsMPK1 plays a crucial role in regulating the biosynthesis of ABA. Finally, genetic analysis showed that OsABA2 can enhance the sensitivity of rice to ABA and the tolerance of rice to drought and salt stress.