Abscisic acid regulates secondary cell-wall formation and lignin deposition in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> through phosphorylation of NST1

Significance Lignin deposition in plants is affected by environmental stress, and stress-signaling involves increases the levels of plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Here we show, using a combination biochemical genetic approaches, how ABA can regulate lignin biosynthesis. This phosphorylation master transcription factor NST1 family protein kinases (SnRK2s) that are themselves activated as result recognition its receptor. work provides basis for designing trees other biomass better adapted to stress climate change.