High temperature acclimation through PIF4 signaling.

Marcel C G Proveniers, Martijn van Zanten

Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Trends in plant science 2013 Feb

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Ambient temperature has direct consequences for plant functioning. Many plant species are able to adjust reproductive timing and development to optimize fitness to changes in ambient temperatures. Understanding the molecular networks of how plants cope with high temperatures is essential to counteract the effects of global warming and to secure future crop productivity. Several recent papers reported that Arabidopsis thaliana responses to changing light conditions and high temperature, and their underlying signaling mechanisms are highly similar and involve the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4). In this opinion article we discuss the mechanisms of PIF4-mediated acclimation to increased ambient temperature with focus on timing of flowering and morphological acclimation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.