Gibberellins and DELLAs: central nodes in growth regulatory networks

• GAs are central nodes in complex growth-regulating networks.
• GA responses are highly context-dependent and dynamic.
• Networks involving GAs are primarily regulated at the protein level.
• Modeling and tissue-specific interactome and transcriptome analyses are needed.

Gibberellins (GAs) are growth-promoting phytohormones that were crucial in breeding improved semi-dwarf varieties during the green revolution. However, the molecular basis for GA-induced growth stimulation is poorly understood. In this review, we use light-regulated hypocotyl elongation as a case study, combined with a meta-analysis of available transcriptome data, to discuss the role of GAs as central nodes in networks connecting environmental inputs to growth. These networks are highly tissue-specific, with dynamic and rapid regulation that mostly occurs at the protein level, directly affecting the activity and transcription of effectors. New systems biology approaches addressing the role of GAs in growth should take these properties into account, combining tissue-specific interactomics, transcriptomics and modeling, to provide essential knowledge to fuel a second green revolution.