Systematic identification and functional characterization of EPF/EPFL peptides involved in drought stress responses in tobacco.

NtEPF3 and NtEPFL6 peptides enhance drought tolerance in tobacco by regulating stomatal function and kinase signaling pathways.

• Why it matters: Understanding how plants respond to drought is crucial for improving crop resilience amid climate change, yet the specific roles of EPF/EPFL peptides in this process remain unclear.
• What they did: Researchers identified 23 NtEPF/EPFL genes in tobacco, analyzed their expression under stress conditions, and tested synthetic peptides' effects on drought-related traits in tobacco and Arabidopsis, including overexpression and mutant lines.
• The result: Overexpression of NtEPF3 and NtEPFL6 improved drought tolerance, linked to changes in stomatal behavior and kinase activity, suggesting these peptides could be targeted to enhance drought resilience in crops.