Gene expression under fluctuating light

In the current study, we examined the transcriptomic responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to fluctuating light (FL) intensity. It was previously established that long-term FL exposure induces photoprotection and inhibits biomass accumulation in higher plants, which is highly relevant to plants growing in the field. Due to the connection between photosynthetic energy balance and regulation of gene expression, we included a "kvc" triple mutant lacking KEA3, VCCN1 and CLCe genes that has severely impaired photoprotection kinetics. Transcriptomes of WT and kvc mutant showed upregulation of biotic stress response pathways in kvc under non-stress conditions, and strong FL-induction of genes involved in biotic stress and secondary metabolism. This work highlights the rapid adjustments to photosynthesis, gene expression and metabolism made by plants growing in the naturally fluctuating conditions of the outdoor growth environment.