Arabidopsis calcineurin B-like-interacting protein kinase 8 and its functional homolog in tomato negatively regulates ABA-mediated stomatal movement and drought tolerance.

Stomatal movement is critical for water transpiration, gas exchange, and responses to biotic stresses. Abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure to prevent water loss during drought. We report that Arabidopsis CIPK8 negatively regulates ABA-mediated stomatal closure and drought tolerance.

Arabidopsis protein -acyl transferases positively mediate BR signaling through -acylation of BSK1.

Protein -acyl transferases (PATs) catalyze -acylation, a reversible post-translational modification critical for membrane association, trafficking, and stability of substrate proteins. Many plant proteins are potentially -acylated but few have corresponding PATs identified. By using genomic editing, confocal imaging, pharmacological, genetic, and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that three Arabidopsis class C PATs positively regulate BR signaling through -acylation of BRASSINOSTEROID-SIGNALING KINASE1 (BSK1).