In order to identify the genes interacting with the bHLH109, the candidate co-expressed genes were identified in a yeast one hybrid assay. The in vitro regulatory interactions that were identified were verified through mutant and expression analysis. The results suggest that in SE bHLH109 acts as an activator of ECP63, a member of the LEA (LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT) family. Among the potential regulators of bHLH109, three candidates (At5g61620, bZIP4 and bZIP43) were indicated to possibly control bHLH109. The functions of all of the genes that are assumed to interact with bHLH109 are annotated to stress responses.
Collectively, the results of the study provide new evidence that cell responses to stress that is imposed under in vitro conditions underlies the promotion of SE. bHLH109 may play a central role in the stress-related mechanism of SE induction via an increased accumulation of the LEA protein (ECP63), which results in the enhanced tolerance of the cells to stress.