It’s just a phase: Structural characterisation of LLPS and its role in temperature sensing in plants

Chloe Zubieta

The increased average temperatures due to global warming have already altered plant phenology for both wild and domesticated species, presenting a critical challenge for food security in the coming decades. Plants are able to perceive temperature and subsequently reprogram their growth and development for optimal reproduction and survival. However, the molecular mechanisms for this are still largely unknown.

The Evening Complex (EC) is a core component of the plant circadian clock and consists of EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), a scaffold protein containing a prion-like domain; ELF4, a small α-helical protein; and LUX ARRYTHMO (LUX), a DNA-binding protein. EC activity is temperature dependent and is important for integrating temperature signals into growth and developmental pathways under circadian control. We have found that ELF3 acts as a direct thermosensor via temperature-dependent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Using a combination of in vitro biophysical studies and in vivo assays, we chacterise the dilute and condensed phases of ELF3 and show how these data suggest that LLPS represents a novel thermosensory mechanism in plants.

Quoi de neuf sur l’origine mystérieuse des plantes à fleurs ?

François Parcy

Les plantes à fleur sont aujourd’hui dominantes sur terre mais cela n’a pas toujours été le cas. Les fleur sont une innovation relativement récente dans l’histoire des plantes et leur apparition d’apparence brutale ainsi que leur succès rapide ont été qualifié d’abominable mystère par Darwin lui-même. Grace aux recherches récentes, le voile est en train de se lever lentement sur ce mystère.

LPCV – CNRS / CEA / UGA / INRA