Photoreceptors CRYTOCHROME2 and Phytochrome B Control Chromatin Compaction in Arabidopsis

• Published in: Plant physiology (Bethesda) 2010-12, Vol.154 (4), p.1686-1696
• Main Authors: van Zanten, Martijn, Tessadori, Federico, McLoughlin, Fionn, Smith, Reuben, Millenaar, Frank F, van Driel, Roel, Voesenek, Laurentius A.C.J, Peeters, Anton J.M, Fransz, Paul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arabidopsis - metabolism; Arabidopsis thaliana; Biological and medical sciences; Chromatin; Chromatin - metabolism; Chromocenters; Cryptochromes - physiology; ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS AND ADAPTATION TO STRESS; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetic variation; Luminous intensity; Molecular Sequence Data; Optical filters; Photoperiod; Photoreceptors; Photoreceptors, Plant - physiology; Phytochrome B - physiology; Plant cells; Plant physiology and development; Plants; Visible spectrum
• ISSN: 0032-0889; 1532-2548; 1532-2548
• DOI: 10.1104/pp.110.164616

Development and acclimation processes to the environment are associated with large-scale changes in chromatin compaction in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we studied the effects of light signals on chromatin organization. A decrease in light intensity induces a large-scale reduction in chromatin compaction. This low light response is reversible and shows strong natural genetic variation. Moreover, the degree of chromatin compaction is affected by light quality signals relevant for natural canopy shade. The photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME2 appears a general positive regulator of low light-induced chromatin decompaction. Phytochrome B also controls light-induced chromatin organization, but its effect appears to be dependent on the genetic background. We present a model in which chromatin compaction is regulated by the light environment via CRYPTOCHROME2 protein abundance, which is controlled by phytochrome B action.