NIN-like proteins NLP8 negatively regulate drought resistance in Arabidopsis by regulating the expression level of PUB23.

Abstract

Key message: NLP8-mediated transcriptional activation of PUB23 expression negatively regulates drought resistance. Drought severely affects crop yields, and nitrate is essential for plant growth and development. However, the precise mechanisms by which nitrate influences drought stress responses are not fully understood. In the study, we investigated the role of the nitrate-responsive transcription factor NLP8 in drought stress. Our results showed that the nlp8 mutant exhibited enhanced drought tolerance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that NLP8 primarily regulates sugar metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism under drought conditions. Furthermore, EMSA, yeast one-hybrid, and LUC assays confirmed that NLP8 binds to the PUB23 promoter and activates its expression, thereby participating in drought resistance. The study defines the relationship between nitrate signalling and drought stress and provides insights into how plants regulate nutrient allocation during drought. These findings not only uncover the mechanisms by which plants modulate nutrient utilization under adverse conditions but also provide important insights into the physiological processes involved in plant stress responses.