Modulates Microtubule Depolymerization in Response to Salt Stress in .

The pivotal role of cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) in modulating growth, development, and responses to stress has been widely acknowledged in . However, the function and regulation of has remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that is critical for modulating microtubule depolymerization in response to salt stress. The mutant exhibited increased tolerance, while overexpression of led to hypersensitivity to salt. Further analysis revealed that CRK41 interacts directly with the MAP kinase3 (MPK3), but not with MPK6. Inactivation of either MPK3 or MPK6 could abrogate the salt tolerance of the mutant. Upon NaCl treatment, microtubule depolymerization was heightened in the mutant, yet alleviated in the and double mutants, indicating that suppresses MAPK-mediated microtubule depolymerizations. Collectively, these results reveal that plays a crucial role in regulating microtubule depolymerization triggered by salt stress through coordination with MPK3/MPK6 signalling pathways, which are key factors in maintaining microtubule stability and conferring salt stress resistance in plants.