Feeling the Heat: Searching for Plant 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. 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.