The MPK8-TCP14 pathway promotes seed germination in Arabidopsis

Accurate control of dormancy release and germination is critical for successful plantlet establishment. In this study, we characterized mutants of Arabidopsis MAP kinase 8 (MPK8) presenting altered dormancy. We identified Teosinte Branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell factor 14 (TCP14), a key transcription factor for germination, as a partner of MPK8 and investigated the processes controlled by MPK8-TCP14 pathway. Kinase assay was performed using immunoprecipitated MPK8-HA protein and recombinant GST-TCP14 protein as target to find TCP14 MPK8-specific phosphorylation sites.