NtEREBP1-NtWRKY6a-NtPAL3 module enhances plant resistance to UV-B by promoting the accumulation of flavonoids in Nicotiana tabacum.

The NtEREBP1-NtWRKY6a-NtPAL3 module increases Nicotiana tabacum resistance to UV-B by promoting flavonoid accumulation, with NtWRKY6a overexpression enhancing UV-B tolerance.

• Why it matters: Understanding how plants defend against UV-B stress is crucial for improving crop resilience under increasing UV exposure. The role of ethylene signaling in UV-B resistance remains poorly understood, highlighting a knowledge gap in plant stress responses.
• What they did: The study used gene expression analysis, mutant and overexpression lines, and metabolome profiling to investigate the module, focusing on 1, 2, and 3 gene interactions and flavonoid levels.
• The result: Activation of the module led to increased flavonoid biosynthesis and UV-B resistance, with flavonoid application restoring UV-B tolerance in mutants, indicating flavonoids' key protective role.