Arabidopsis HAF2 gene encoding TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor TAF1, is required to integrate light signals to regulate gene expression and growth

Plant growth and development are sensitive to light. Light-responsive DNA-binding transcription factors have been functionally identified. However, how transcription initiation complex integrates light signals from enhancer-bound transcription factors remains unknown. In this work, we characterized mutations within the Arabidopsis HAF2 gene encoding TATA-binding protein-associated factor TAF1 (or TAF_II250). The mutation of HAF2 induced decreases on chlorophyll accumulation, light-induced mRNA levels, and promoter activity. Genetic analysis indicated that HAf2 is involved in the pathways of both red/far-red and blue light signals. Double mutants between haf2-1 and hy5-1, a mutation of a light signaling positive DNA-binding transcription factor gene, had a synergistic effect on photomorphogenic traits and light-activated gene expression under different light wavelengths, suggesting that HAF2 is required for interaction with additional light-responsive DNA-binding transcription factors to fully respond to light induction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that the mutation of HAF2 reduced acetylation of histone H3 in light-responsive promoters. In addition, transcriptome analysis showed that the mutation altered the expression of about 9% of genes in young leaves. These data indicate that TAF1 encoded by the Arabidopsis HAF2 gene functions as a coactivator capable of integrating light signals and acetylating histones to activate light-induced gene transcription.