Arabidopsis CBF1 overexpression induces COR genes and enhances freezing tolerance

Science. 1998 Apr 3;280(5360):104-6. doi: 10.1126/science.280.5360.104.

Abstract

Many plants, including Arabidopsis, show increased resistance to freezing after they have been exposed to low nonfreezing temperatures. This response, termed cold acclimation, is associated with the induction of COR (cold-regulated) genes mediated by the C-repeat/drought-responsive element (CRT/DRE) DNA regulatory element. Increased expression of Arabidopsis CBF1, a transcriptional activator that binds to the CRT/DRE sequence, induced COR gene expression and increased the freezing tolerance of nonacclimated Arabidopsis plants. We conclude that CBF1 is a likely regulator of the cold acclimation response, controlling the level of COR gene expression, which in turn promotes tolerance to freezing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acclimatization
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / physiology
  • Arabidopsis Proteins*
  • Cold Temperature
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Freezing*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genes, Plant*
  • Plant Leaves / physiology
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Regulon
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • CBF1 protein, Arabidopsis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Trans-Activators