The recent identification of DEVIL/ROTUNDIFOLIA-like (SiDVL/RTFL) peptides from foxtail millet (Setaria italica) as negative regulators of auxin signaling has provided important insights into how small peptides orchestrate root development. Wang et al. (2024) demonstrate that SiDVLs are proposed to suppress root growth through a dual mechanism involving transcriptional upregulation of Aux/IAA repressors and post-translational downregulation of PIN auxin efflux carriers. Previous studies have revealed that DVL/RTFL peptides physically interact with BRASSINOSTEROID-SIGNALING KINASEs (BSKs) and redundantly regulate root stem-cell maintenance under abiotic stress via abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, may function as emerging integrative hubs as central hubs that integrate auxin, brassinosteroid (BR), and ABA pathways. This commentary discusses how these findings advance our understanding of peptide-hormone interactions, particularly the novel role of DVLs in coordinating growth and stress responses. We also discuss preliminary evidence suggesting that DVL overexpression enhances drought and salt tolerance, highlighting the translational potential of DVL-BSK modules for climate-resilient agriculture.

Small peptides, DVL/RTFL, Hormone signaling