DELLA protein regulation during shade avoidance

Abstract

Shade avoidance responses are suit of adaptive reactions for gaining sufficient light by plants grown in shading conditions. This phenomenon consists of enhanced elongation of shoot-like organs, upward movements of leaves and accelerated flowering and fruit-set. Adaptive reactions result from the activity of many plant growth regulators. Our study was focused on DELLA proteins which are components of gibberellin (GA) plant hormone signaling in regulating shade avoidance of Arabidopsis petioles and hypocotyls. We confirmed the involvement of these proteins in GA-regulated shade avoidance and showed interaction of these proteins with auxin and ethylene which partly regulates shade avoidance responses.