NLP7-HSFA2 module regulates acquired thermotolerance in Arabidopsis

Climate change, characterized by increasing global temperatures and a higher frequency of extreme heat events, is adversely affecting crop productivity and threatening global food security and agricultural sustainability. Heat Shock Transcription Factors (HSFAs) have been established as key regulators of thermotolerance in plants. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the transcription factor NIN-Like Protein 7 (NLP7) modulates the expression of HSFA3 in regulating basal thermotolerance. However, the involvement of NLP7 in acquired thermotolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that NLP7 positively regulates plant acquired thermotolerance through directly binding to the HSFA2 promoter. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heat adaptation, offering potential strategies for enhancing crop resilience in a warming climate.