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Plants are exquisitely responsive to their local light and temperature environment utilizing these environmental cues to modulate their developmental pathways and adjust growth patterns. This responsiveness is primarily achieved by the intricate interplay between the photoreceptor phyB (phytochrome B) and PIF (PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs) transcription factors (TFs), forming a pivotal signaling nexus. phyB and PIFs co-associate in photobodies (PBs) and depending on environmental conditions, PIFs can dissociate from PBs to orchestrate gene expression. Until recently, the mechanisms governing epigenome modifications subsequent to PIF binding to target genes remained elusive. This mini review sheds light on the emerging role of PIFs in mediating epigenome reprogramming by recruiting chromatin regulators (CRs). The formation of numerous different PIF-CR complexes enables precise temporal and spatial control over the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) governing plant-environment interactions. We refer to PIFs as epigenome landscapers, as while they do not directly reprogram the epigenome, they act as critical sequence-specific recruitment platforms for CRs. Intriguingly, in the absence of PIFs, the efficacy of epigenome reprogramming is largely compromised in light and temperature-controlled processes. We have thoroughly examined the composition and function of known PIF-CR complexes and will explore also unanswered questions regarding the precise of locations PIF-mediated epigenome reprogramming within genes, nuclei, and plants.
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This content will become publicly available on December 21, 2026
The environmentally responsive plant epigenome: insights from jasmonate signaling
Summary The environmental responsiveness of the plant epigenome is essential for spatiotemporally precise gene regulation, enabling plants to adapt to external cues. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying this responsiveness is therefore fundamental to deciphering the molecular logic of plant‐environment interactions. In this review, we highlight the dynamic regulation of the plant epigenome by the hormone jasmonic acid (JA), which orchestrates immune and developmental responses. Our understanding of JA‐induced epigenome reprogramming has expanded significantly in recent years, and these insights can serve as a blueprint for other environmental response pathways. The hallmarks of an environmentally responsive epigenome will be emphasized, focusing on the roles of transcription factors as epigenome architects and on three‐dimensional chromatin reorganization as an emerging hallmark of epigenome responsiveness. We envision that the general principles of cue‐induced epigenome reprogramming outlined here will guide future studies across diverse cues and species.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2339927
- PAR ID:
- 10656977
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- New Phytologist
- ISSN:
- 0028-646X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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