cold-tolerance
Cold-tolerance is the physiological capacity of plants to survive and maintain metabolic function in freezing or subfreezing temperatures through specialized molecular and cellular adaptations. This trait is fundamental to understanding plant survival in polar, alpine, and temperate climates, and for predicting how plant communities will respond to seasonal freezing and climate variability. Research in cold-tolerance directly impacts crop breeding programs and agriculture in cold regions, helping identify which varieties will thrive as temperature patterns shift globally.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-02-19
Scientists identified a molecular control system in apple trees that regulates calcium signaling to enhance freezing tolerance. Three interacting proteins fine-tune this response—one activates calcium entry for cold survival while another inhibits it, creating a competitive switch that balances the protective response.
MdCNGC1C (cyclic nucleotide-gated channel) positively regulates apple freezing tolerance by mediating cold-induced calcium influx
MdOST1 kinase phosphorylates MdCNGC1C at Ser47 to enhance its channel activity; MdCaM7.1 inhibits the channel through competitive binding
MdOST1 and MdCaM7.1 compete for the same N-terminal binding site on MdCNGC1C, with elevated calcium promoting MdCaM7.1 interaction to provide negative feedback
