PKS1, a substrate phosphorylated by phytochrome that modulates light signaling in Arabidopsis

Plants constantly monitor their light environment in order to grow and develop optimally, in part through use of the phytochromes, which sense red/far-red light. A phytochrome binding protein, PKS1 (phytochrome kinase substrate 1), was identified that is a substrate for light-regulated phytochrome kinase activity in vitro. In vivo experiments suggest that PKS1 is phosphorylated in a phytochrome-dependent manner and negatively regulates phytochrome signaling. The data suggest that phytochromes signal by serine- threonine phosphorylation.