# Molecular genetic characterization of CASEIN KINASE 1-LIKE 12 in Arabidopsis

## TL;DR

This study explores the role of the CASEIN KINASE 1-LIKE 12 gene in Arabidopsis and its connection to plant growth and hormone signaling.

## Contribution

The study identifies CKL12 as a potential downstream target of brassinosteroid signaling in Arabidopsis.

## Key findings

- CKL12 may regulate hypocotyl and root growth in Arabidopsis seedlings.
- The 3′ end of the CKL12 transcript appears important for its function.
- CKL12 is a transcriptional target of brassinosteroid signaling.

## Abstract

The CASEIN KINASE 1 (CK1) family plays diverse roles in the development, physiology, and disease in eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the CASEIN KINASE 1-LIKE (CKL) family has 13 members, but to date, the roles of these kinases remain largely unclear. Here, we characterize several insertion mutants, finding that CKL12 may contribute to hypocotyl and primary root growth. Differential effects of insertions at various parts of the gene suggest that the 3′ end of the transcript may be important for CKL12 function. We provide evidence that CKL12 may be a transcriptional target of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. The CKL12 promoter contains in vitro binding sites for BR-related transcription factors. Knock-down of these transcription factors using RNA interference reduces CKL12 transcript. Together, these data suggest that CKL12 may act downstream of BR signaling to regulate seedling growth.