A non-coding SNP in ELF3 alters ELF3β expression and confers adaptation of Arabidopsis to a continental climate

Jun 18, 2026Plant physiology

A genetic variant outside ELF3 changes its protein levels and helps Arabidopsis adapt to continental climates

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Abstract

Naturally occurring variation in the core clock gene ELF3 influences circadian period length in plants.

  • Variation in ELF3 has been selected for in hot, seasonal climates.
  • Circadian rhythms of 287 global Arabidopsis accessions were measured using a luciferase reporter.
  • Genome-wide association studies identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ELF3.
  • Three haplogroups associated with seasonal temperature variability were defined based on SNP identities.
  • A selective sweep in ELF3 haplogroups correlates with the most recent de-glaciation period in Europe.
  • Subtle variation in ELF3 may play a significant role in plant adaptation to climate change.

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