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14-3-3 isoforms participate in red light signaling and photoperiodic flowering

Kevin M. Folta, Anna-Lisa Paul, John D. Mayfield and Robert J. Ferl

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Members of the 14-3-3 family of proteins participate in signal transduction by modulating flux through various pathways. Potential subfunctionalization within this family has produced a suite of related proteins with diverse client interactions and discrete localization. The associated study assesses the biological roles of two specific 14-3-3 isoforms, using genetic, biochemical and physiological assays to ascertain potential nodes of interaction. Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutants representing the υ and µ isoforms exhibited a short, yet clear delay in flowering time on long days. Tests of hypocotyl growth inhibition under narrow bandwidth light indicated a hyposensitivity to red light, while responses to blue and far-red light were normal. These physiological tests suggest a mechanistic link between 14-3-3 proteins, red light sensing, and the pathways that control photoperiodic flowering. The precise entry point into the pathway was assessed using yeast two hybrid assays targeted against specific proteins active in the circadian oscillator, light transduction and photoperiodic flowering. Yeast two hybrid interaction was observed with CONSTANS (CO), and then confirmed with co-immunoprecipitation. Functional interaction with phyB leading to defects in flowering time and direct interaction with CONSTANS circumstantially places these specific 14-3-3 isoforms into the pathway that regulates the transition between vegetative and floral development.

Authors

Kevin M. Folta

Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program and Horticultural Sciences Department; University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida USA

Anna-Lisa Paul

Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program and Horticultural Sciences Department; University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida USA

John D. Mayfield

Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program and Horticultural Sciences Department; University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida USA

Robert J. Ferl

Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program and Horticultural Sciences Department; University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida USA

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