Regulation of the trade-off between cold stress and growth by BcGSTF10
Cold stress represents a significant threat to global agricultural productivity and food security. Typically, plant resistance to cold stress is accompanied by a growth deficit and a reduction in yield. In this study, we have discovered a novel gene, BcGSTF10, which has not been previously reported to be involved in low-temperature stress. On the one hand, biochemical and genetic analyses have demonstrated that BcGSTF10 interacts with BcICE1 to promote the expression of CBF genes, thereby enhancing freezing stress tolerance in non-heading Chinese cabbage [NHCC, Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis] and Arabidopsis. On the other hand, the expression of the BcGSTF10 gene is directly repressed by BcCBF2, while BcGSTF10 exhibits a positive role in growth in both NHCC and Arabidopsis. This dual function of BcGSTF10 indicates its pivotal role in balancing low-temperature stress and growth, which will inform the development of strategies to breed climate-resilient and high-yield crops, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture.