Initiation and amplification of SnRK2 activation in abscisic acid signaling

Zhen Lin, Yuan Li, Yubei Wang, Xiaolei Liu, Liang Ma, Zhengjing Zhang, Chen Mu, Yan Zhang, Li Peng, Shaojun Xie, Chun-Peng Song, Huazhong Shi, Jian-Kang Zhu and Pengcheng Wang ()
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Zhen Lin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yuan Li: China Agricultural University
Yubei Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaolei Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Liang Ma: China Agricultural University
Zhengjing Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chen Mu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yan Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Li Peng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shaojun Xie: Purdue University
Chun-Peng Song: Henan University
Huazhong Shi: Texas Tech University
Jian-Kang Zhu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Pengcheng Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial for plant responses to environmental challenges. The SNF1-regulated protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) are key components in ABA-receptor coupled core signaling, and are rapidly phosphorylated and activated by ABA. Recent studies have suggested that Raf-like protein kinases (RAFs) participate in ABA-triggered SnRK2 activation. In vitro kinase assays also suggest the existence of autophosphorylation of SnRK2s. Thus, how SnRK2 kinases are quickly activated during ABA signaling still needs to be clarified. Here, we show that both B2 and B3 RAFs directly phosphorylate SnRK2.6 in the kinase activation loop. This transphosphorylation by RAFs is essential for SnRK2 activation. The activated SnRK2s then intermolecularly trans-phosphorylate other SnRK2s that are not yet activated to amplify the response. High-order Arabidopsis mutants lacking multiple B2 and B3 RAFs show ABA hyposensitivity. Our findings reveal a unique initiation and amplification mechanism of SnRK2 activation in ABA signaling in higher plants.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22812-x

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