A reevaluation of the role of the heterotrimeric G protein in coupling light responses in Arabidopsis

Previous studies implicated the involvement of a heterotrimeric G protein in red (R) and far-red (FR) light signal transduction, but these studies utilized pharmacological or gain-of-function approaches and, therefore, are indirect tests. Here, we reexamine the role of the single canonical heterotrimeric G protein in R and FR control of hypocotyl growth using a loss-of-function approach. Single- and double-null mutants for the GPA1, AGB1 genes encoding the alpha and beta subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein, respectively, have wild-type sensitivity to R and FR. Ectopic overexpression of wild type and a constitutive active form of the alpha subunit and of the wild-type beta subunit had no effect that can be unequivocally attributed to altered R and FR responsiveness. These results preclude a direct role for the heterotrimeric G complex in R and FR transduction in Arabidopsis leading to growth control in the hypocotyl.