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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.26.708209

Opposing regulatory logics converge on ABA receptors to govern the trade-off between growth and drought acclimation

Wu, C.·Gu, S.·Liu, X.·Zhang, Y.·Zhang, L.·Liu, Q.·Lu, J.·Huang, J.·Yang, G.·Yan, K.·Zheng, C.·Zhang, S.
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Abstract

Plants dynamically balance growth with stress responses through abscisic acid (ABA). How ABA signaling, but how ABA sensitivity is finely tuned is unclear. Here, we uncover a regulatory network of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) that directly controls ABA receptors stability. We identify GASSHO1 (GSO1) as a core component that phosphorylates the PYL2 and PYL4 receptors, targeting them for degradation and thus serving as a brake on ABA signaling. Under drought stress, ABA accumulates and suppresses expression of GSO1-activating CIF peptides, releasing this brake to increase PYLs and sensitivity. This mechanism opposes our previously identified CEPR2 pathway, where drought-induced CEP peptides inhibit the kinase to stabilize PYLs. The integration of these two antagonistic modules within an LRR-RLK network enables precise, dynamic control of ABA perception. This work reveals a molecular framework explaining how plants calibrate the critical balance between growth and drought acclimation.

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Wu, C., Gu, S., Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Zhang, L., Liu, Q., Lu, J., Huang, J., Yang, G., Yan, K., Zheng, C., Zhang, S.. 2026-02-27. Opposing regulatory logics converge on ABA receptors to govern the trade-off between growth and drought acclimation. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.26.708209

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