Overexpression of ZmNF-YC14 confers plant ER stress tolerance and ABA sensitivity in Arabidopsis

Abstract

The correct folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is vital for plant adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. The genes related to the ER stress response in maize are far from clear. In this study, a maize nuclear factor, NF-YC14, was identified in the regulation of the ER stress response. Overexpression of NF-YC14 improves plant ER stress tolerance and up-regulates the expression of downstream ER stress response genes. Moreover, NF-YC14 involves abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and overexpression of NF-YC14 confers plant hypersensitivity to ABA. Furthermore, overexpression of NF-YC14 enhances the expression of downstream ER stress response genes mediated by the ABA signaling pathway in Arabidopsis. These results indicate that NF-YC14 and ABA signaling regulate the expression of ER stress response genes and NF-YC14 links ER stress response to ABA signaling.