Heat stress is a major environmental stress type that can limit plant growth and development. To survive sudden temperature increases, plants utilize the heat shock response, an ancient signaling pathway. Initial results had suggested a role for brassinosteroids (BRs) in this response. Brassinosteroids are growth-promoting steroid hormones whose activity is mediated by transcription factors of the BES1/BZR1 subfamily. Here, we provide evidence that BES1 can contribute to heat stress signaling. In response to heat, BES1 is activated even in the absence of BRs and directly binds to heat shock elements (HSEs), known binding sites of heat shock transcription factors (HSFs). HSFs of the HSFA1 type can interact with BES1 and facilitate its activity in HSE binding. These findings lead us to propose an extended model of the heat stress response in plants, in which the recruitment of BES1 is a means of heat stress signaling cross-talk with a central growth regulatory pathway.

Rhodococcus erythropolis is resilient to various stressors. However, the response of R. erythropolis towards light has not been evaluated. In this study, R. erythropolis was exposed to different wavelengths of light. Compared to non-illuminated controls, carotenoid levels were significantly increased in white (standard warm white), green (510 nm) and blue light (470 nm) illuminated cultures. Notably, blue light (455, 425 nm) exhibited anti-microbial effects. Interestingly, cellular lipid composition shifted under light stress, increasing odd chain fatty acids (C15:0, C17:1) cultured under white (standard warm white) and green (510 nm) light. When exposed to blue light (470, 455, 425 nm), fatty acid profiles shifted to more saturated fatty acids (C16:1 to C16:0). Time-resolved proteomics analysis revealed several oxidative stress-related proteins to be upregulated under light illumination.

The steady increase in human population and a rising standard of living heighten global demand for energy. Fossil fuels account for more than three-quarters of energy production, releasing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) that drive climate change effects as well as contributing to severe air pollution in many countries. Hence, drastic reduction of CO2 emissions, especially from fossil fuels, is essential to tackle anthropogenic climate change. To reduce CO2 emissions and to cope with the ever-growing demand for energy, it is essential to develop renewable energy sources, of which biofuels will form an important contribution. In this Essay, liquid biofuels from first to fourth generation are discussed in detail alongside their industrial development and policy implications, with a focus on the transport sector as a complementary solution to other environmentally friendly technologies, such as electric cars.