The ATHB2 microProtein affects plant development and the shade avoidance response (RNA-Seq)

Plants display remarkable adaptability to varying light conditions, crucial for their optimal growth and development. Here, we investigate the functional significance of ATHB2-miP, a microProtein arising from an alternative transcript of the ATHB2 gene, in both white light and shade environments, supported by comprehensive phenotyping experiments. ATHB2, a homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor, is known for its involvement in growth regulation. By employing genetic, transcriptomic analyses, and phenotyping experiments, we dissect the regulatory role of ATHB2-miP. Transcriptomics unravel genes differentially induced and repressed upon ATHB2-miP expression, elucidating its impact on growth-related pathways. Notably, ATHB2-miP's expression responds to shade conditions, suggesting its role in light-mediated responses. Our research underscores ATHB2-miP's multifaceted contribution to plant growth and development, emphasizing its potential as a pivotal player in light-responsive gene regulation. Overall design: We conducted transcriptomics, phenotyping studies, genetic analyses and protein interaction experiments on mutant lines generated by CRISPR-Cas9 where the microProein was deleted, a t-knockout line of the full ATHB2 gene and a line overexpressing the microProtein under the control of a 35S promoter.