Biology

Dr. Sreeram Gangappa
John Innes Centre

Temperature is a key environmental signal that shapes plant growth and development. Elevated ambient temperature accelerates growth and developmental transitions while compromising plant immunity, leading to increased susceptibility to variety of plant pathogens. Climate change and the increase in average growth-season temperatures threaten biodiversity and food security. Despite its significance, the molecular mechanisms that link thermosensory growth and immunity are not known. This study demonstrates that PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4)- mediated thermosensory pathway is directly linked to suppression of immunity at elevated temperature. PIF4 positively regulates growth, while negatively regulates immunity. The natural variation of PIF4-mediated temperature response underlies balance between growth and defense. Moreover, the modulation of PIF4 function alters temperature sensitivity of defense. Perturbation of PIF4-mediated growth has resulted in temperature-resilient disease resistance. Collectively, this study reveals a molecular link between thermosensory growth and immunity in plants. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that define environmental signal integration is key to the development of novel strategies for breeding temperature resilient disease resistance in crops.