Genome Wide Binding Site Analysis Reveals Transcriptional Coactivation of Cytokinin-Responsive Genes by DELLA Proteins

PLoS Genet. 2015 Jul 2;11(7):e1005337. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005337. eCollection 2015 Jul.

Abstract

The ability of plants to provide a plastic response to environmental cues relies on the connectivity between signaling pathways. DELLA proteins act as hubs that relay environmental information to the multiple transcriptional circuits that control growth and development through physical interaction with transcription factors from different families. We have analyzed the presence of one DELLA protein at the Arabidopsis genome by chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to large-scale sequencing and we find that it binds at the promoters of multiple genes. Enrichment analysis shows a strong preference for cis elements recognized by specific transcription factor families. In particular, we demonstrate that DELLA proteins are recruited by type-B ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS (ARR) to the promoters of cytokinin-regulated genes, where they act as transcriptional co-activators. The biological relevance of this mechanism is underpinned by the necessity of simultaneous presence of DELLAs and ARRs to restrict root meristem growth and to promote photomorphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / embryology*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Cytokinins / metabolism*
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Plant Development / physiology
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics*

Substances

  • ARR1 protein, Arabidopsis
  • ARR2 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Cytokinins
  • DNA, Plant
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GAI protein, Arabidopsis
  • RGA protein, Arabidopsis
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors