PubMed · 2026-05-29
Scientists mapped the full family of cold-stress 'master switch' genes in Russian dandelion, a rubber-producing plant, and showed that several of them activate when temperatures drop, helping the plant survive cold. One gene in particular interacts with proteins involved in cold signaling and even leaf pore development.
7 ICE cold-response genes were identified in Russian dandelion across its whole genome, with most showing increased activity under cold stress and cold acclimation.
The gene family expanded primarily through whole-genome and segmental duplication, and Russian dandelion's ICE gene promoters contain significantly more stress- and hormone-responsive elements than those of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
One gene, TksICE6, was confirmed to activate inside the cell nucleus and physically interacts with proteins linked to cold signal transmission and stomatal (leaf pore) development.
