Attenuation of cytokinin signaling via proteolysis of a type-B response regulator

Abstract

Type-B response regulators (ARRs) are a group of transcription factors that are activated by cytokinin-initiated phospho-relays and regulate the expression of cytokinin-responsive genes. Recently, we reported that proteolysis of ARR2 in Arabidopsis is facilitated by cytokinins, resulting in attenuation of the signaling output of two-component circuitry. Interestingly, despite similarities in the primary structures and conserved receiver domains, the proteolytic properties of ARR2 are distinct from those of the other type-B ARRs. Using a gain-of-function mutant (ARR2(K90G)) resistant to protein degradation, we clearly demonstrated that increased levels of ARR2 affected cytokinin-mediated processes such as primary root growth, callus induction, hypocotyl elongation and leaf senescence. At the molecular level, expression of type-A ARRs was increased in transgenics expressing ARR2(K90G), resulting in enhanced cytokinin sensitivity. Here, we describe these findings and how they may be incorporated into the currently accepted model for the regulation of cytokinin signaling. In addition, we describe the proteomic approaches used to identify proteins that interact with ARR2. The putative roles of ARR2 proteolysis are also addressed with regard to other developmental processes. In conclusion, cytokinin-facilitated degradation of ARR2 must be appreciated as a post-translational event important for regulating cytokinin signaling intensity.

Figure 1. The effect of ARR2^K90G on the negative regulation of type-A ARRs in cytokinin-induced expression of ARR6. Mesophyll protoplasts were transfected with pARR6:luciferase as a reporter and ARR2-HA, ARR2^K90G-HA, ARR5-HA or ARR6-HA as effectors. Luciferase activity was measured at 3 h after treatment with 100 nM t-zeatin. NE, no effector plasmids; NA, no type-A ARR effector plasmids.