THESEUS1 modulates cell wall stiffness and abscisic acid production in Arabidopsis thaliana

Significance Plants need to constantly adapt to a changing environment. Adaptation includes responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Key elements determining the response to abiotic stress are the cell walls surrounding all plant cells and the phytohormone abscisic acid, which influence turgor pressure in plants. Turgor pressure in plant cells is much higher than in animal cells and a key driver of plant growth and development. Here, we investigate the mechanism regulating cell wall stiffness and coordinating changes in stiffness and turgor with abscisic acid production. We characterize key elements of the mechanism and dissect its mode of action. This knowledge will enable us to improve plant resistance to drought stress, which is necessary due to our changing environment.