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The TaNHLP1-TaRACK1A module regulates tillering via abscisic acid signaling in wheat

Author

Listed:
  • Yaoqi Si

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Shuiquan Tian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jianqing Niu

    (Yazhouwan National Laboratory)

  • Qiao Lu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qiushuang Shang

    (Shandong Agricultural University)

  • Shengwei Ma

    (Yazhouwan National Laboratory)

  • Zhimeng Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Tingting Du

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huilan Wu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jundong Li

    (Yunnan University)

  • Xiansheng Zhang

    (Shandong Agricultural University)

  • Fang Wang

    (Shandong Agricultural University)

  • Hong-Qing Ling

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Yazhouwan National Laboratory)

  • Shusong Zheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Wheat tillering is an important agronomic trait influencing grain yield. Here, we identify an NHL repeat-containing protein, TaNHLP1, which positively regulates tiller number in wheat. We discovered that the core components of the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, type 2C protein phosphatase TaPP2C and SNF1-related protein kinase TaSnRK2, interact with TaNHLP1 to regulate its abundance. Furthermore, TaNHLP1 interacts with the Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (TaRACK1A), an ABA pathway negative regulator, and influences its subcellular localization. Importantly, both the TaNHLP1 and TaRACK1A mutations promote ABA accumulation in the shoot bases and tiller buds. Notably, the NHLP1-RACK1 module is conserved across monocots and eudicots, and natural variations in the promoter of TaNHLP1-A enhance its transcriptional activity, leading to increased tiller number and yield. Collectively, these findings elucidate the genetic mechanism of NHLP1-mediated tillering regulation and highlight its potential as a target for improving crop plant architecture.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaoqi Si & Shuiquan Tian & Jianqing Niu & Qiao Lu & Qiushuang Shang & Shengwei Ma & Zhimeng Zhang & Tingting Du & Huilan Wu & Jundong Li & Xiansheng Zhang & Fang Wang & Hong-Qing Ling & Shusong Zheng, 2025. "The TaNHLP1-TaRACK1A module regulates tillering via abscisic acid signaling in wheat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62654-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62654-5
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