BBX24 is a transcriptional regulator in plants, notably in Arabidopsis, where it is involved in various physiological processes. It functions as a negative regulator of photomorphogenic UV-B responses and interacts with key proteins like COP1 and HY5 . Additionally, BBX24 is part of the ELF3-BBX24/BBX25-PIF4 module, which controls growth and development under different temperature conditions .
BBX24 is known for its role in regulating UV-B responses. It acts by interacting with COP1 and HY5, influencing hypocotyl elongation and anthocyanin biosynthesis under UV-B light . Furthermore, BBX24 is involved in the regulation of PIF4 activity by interacting with DELLA proteins, which are key components of the gibberellin signaling pathway .
Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of BBX24 in thermosensory responses. The ELF3-BBX24/BBX25-PIF4 module plays a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development at different temperatures. BBX24 and BBX25 expression is enhanced at warm temperatures, contributing to increased PIF4 protein accumulation .
BBX24 expression is influenced by temperature and circadian rhythms. At 27°C, BBX24 transcript levels are significantly higher than at 22°C, both at the end of the night and during the day . The protein levels of BBX24 also increase at 27°C compared to 22°C, particularly during the early part of the day (ZT2) .
| Temperature | Time of Day (ZT) | BBX24 Expression/Protein Level |
|---|---|---|
| 22°C | ZT0 | Hardly detectable |
| ZT2 | Peaks | |
| ZT4, ZT8 | Reduced | |
| 27°C | ZT0 | Hardly detectable |
| ZT2 | Elevated nearly two-fold | |
| ZT4, ZT8 | Comparable to 22°C |
BBX24 interacts with several key proteins:
BBX24 (also known as STO) functions as a negative regulator of seedling photomorphogenesis and light-regulated hypocotyl elongation. It acts as a transcriptional corepressor of HY5, leading to downregulation of BBX22 expression. BBX24 exhibits additive effects with BBX25 (STH) during de-etiolation and the hypocotyl shade avoidance response. Furthermore, BBX24 negatively regulates photomorphogenic UV-B responses through interactions with COP1 and HY5. It may also function as a transcription factor in the salt stress response.