COLD6-OSM1 module senses chilling for cold tolerance via 2′,3′-cAMP signaling in rice

While it is known that temperature sensors trigger calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling to confer cold tolerance in cells, less is known about sensors that couple with other secondary messengers. Here, we identify a cold sensor complex of CHILLING-TOLERANCE DIVERGENCE 6 (COLD6) and osmotin-like 1 (OSM1), which triggers 2′,3′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (2′,3′-cAMP) production to enhance cold tolerance in rice. COLD6, which is encoded by a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) gene, interacts with the rice G protein α subunit (RGA1) at the plasma membrane under normal conditions. Upon exposure to chilling, cold-induced OSM1 binds to COLD6, kicking out RGA1 from interaction. This triggers an elevation of 2′,3′-cAMP levels for enhancing chilling tolerance. Genetic data show that COLD6 negatively regulates cold tolerance and functionally depends on OSM1 in chilling stress. COLD6 alleles were selected during rice domestication. Knockout and natural variation of COLD6 in hybrid rice enhanced chilling tolerance, hinting design potential for breeding. This highlighted a module triggering 2′,3′-cAMP to improve chilling tolerance in crops.