Feeling the Heat: Searching for Plant Thermosensors

Thermosensing is the primary event in any temperature signaling pathway and is distinguished from other temperature-responsive processes. Temperature can alter the structure of DNA, RNA, and proteins through thermodynamic effects that impact their activity/function. Membrane fluidity is affected by temperature and may influence the activity of membrane-associated proteins. Systematic detection of structural information and changes therein has advanced in recent years and contributed to the identification of potential thermosensors in other species. To draw the complete picture of plant thermal signaling, it is important to find the missing links between the temperature cue, the actual sensing, and the subsequent response. In this context, several plant thermosensors have been proposed. Here, we compare these with thermosensors in various other organisms, put them in the context of thermosensing in plants, and suggest a set of criteria to which a thermosensor must adhere. Finally, we propose that more emphasis should be given to structural analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins in light of the activity of potential thermosensors. To draw the complete picture of plant thermal signaling, it is important to find the missing links between the temperature cue, the actual sensing, and the subsequent response. In this context, several plant thermosensors have been proposed. Here, we compare these with thermosensors in various other organisms, put them in the context of thermosensing in plants, and suggest a set of criteria to which a thermosensor must adhere. Finally, we propose that more emphasis should be given to structural analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins in light of the activity of potential thermosensors. after transcription, in eukaryotes, the pre-mature mRNA undergoes splicing to remove introns. However, in some cases, introns will be retained in the mature mRNA or exons will be removed to finally generate different protein isoforms that may have different functions. this DNA topology can be created by over- or underwinding of the DNA double strand. Supercoiling can be lifted by topoisomerases that are specific for different types of supercoiling, a process required for DNA replication, transcription, and repair. a variant of the H2A, one of the five main histone proteins responsible for packing DNA into nucleosomes. the withstanding capacity of a protein to retain its structure and activity against high temperature. RNA molecules can form structures that contain several intramolecular Watson-Crick base pairs as well as noncanonical base pairs, with the stem-loop (or hairpin) structures being the most common. a set of changes in plant morphology in response to temperature changes.