Gene

Cell biology

Biology

Biochemistry

Gene silencing

Phosphorylation

Genetics

Chromosomal translocation

Aquaporin

Rose (mathematics)

Small RNA

Transcription factor

Horticulture

Nature Plants

Plants have evolved sophisticated systems in response to environmental changes, and growth arrest is a common strategy used to enhance stress tolerance. Despite the growth–survival trade-off being essential to the shaping of plant productivity, the mechanisms balancing growth and survival remain largely unknown. Aquaporins play a crucial role in growth and stress responses by controlling water transport across membranes. Here, we show that RhPIP2;1, an aquaporin from rose (Rosa sp.), interacts with a membrane-tethered MYB protein, RhPTM. Water deficiency triggers nuclear translocation of the RhPTM C terminus. Silencing of RhPTM causes continuous growth under drought stress and a consequent decrease in survival rate. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) indicated that RhPTM influences the expression of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Water deficiency induces phosphorylation of RhPIP2;1 at Ser 273, which is sufficient to promote nuclear translocation of the RhPTM C terminus. These results indicate that the RhPIP2;1-RhPTM module serves as a key player in orchestrating the trade-off between growth and stress survival in Rosa. Functional interaction between an aquaporin and a membrane-tethered growth suppressor MYB transcription factor leads to activation of the latter, establishing a link between hydraulics and transcriptional control.

In rose, transcription factor PTM balances growth and drought survival via PIP2;1 aquaporin