This publication, "Abscisic Acid: Emergence of a Core Signaling Network," by Sean R. Cutler, Pedro L. Rodriguez, Ruth R. Finkelstein, and Suzanne R. Abrams, reviews the recent advances in understanding the signaling network of abscisic acid (ABA) in plants. ABA, a key hormone regulating various developmental processes and stress responses, has been extensively studied over the past 30 years. The authors highlight the identification of ABA receptors and the elucidation of how regulatory phosphatase and kinase activities are controlled by ABA. A new model proposes that soluble PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors function at the apex of a negative regulatory pathway, directly regulating PP2C phosphatases, which in turn control SnRK2 kinases. This model unifies many previously defined signaling components and emphasizes the need for further research to define the direct targets of SnRK2s and PP2Cs, disentangle hormone interactions, and understand connections between additional signaling components and this pathway. The review also discusses the chemical features necessary for ABA action, the role of ABA in physiological processes, and the involvement of various proteins in ABA signaling, including FCA, ChlH, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors. Additionally, it covers the roles of protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) and protein kinases (SnRK2s, SnRK3s/CIPKs, CDPKs/CPKs) in ABA signaling and the regulation of gene expression by ABA. The authors emphasize the importance of future research to fully understand the complex network of ABA signaling and its implications for plant biology.This publication, "Abscisic Acid: Emergence of a Core Signaling Network," by Sean R. Cutler, Pedro L. Rodriguez, Ruth R. Finkelstein, and Suzanne R. Abrams, reviews the recent advances in understanding the signaling network of abscisic acid (ABA) in plants. ABA, a key hormone regulating various developmental processes and stress responses, has been extensively studied over the past 30 years. The authors highlight the identification of ABA receptors and the elucidation of how regulatory phosphatase and kinase activities are controlled by ABA. A new model proposes that soluble PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors function at the apex of a negative regulatory pathway, directly regulating PP2C phosphatases, which in turn control SnRK2 kinases. This model unifies many previously defined signaling components and emphasizes the need for further research to define the direct targets of SnRK2s and PP2Cs, disentangle hormone interactions, and understand connections between additional signaling components and this pathway. The review also discusses the chemical features necessary for ABA action, the role of ABA in physiological processes, and the involvement of various proteins in ABA signaling, including FCA, ChlH, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors. Additionally, it covers the roles of protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) and protein kinases (SnRK2s, SnRK3s/CIPKs, CDPKs/CPKs) in ABA signaling and the regulation of gene expression by ABA. The authors emphasize the importance of future research to fully understand the complex network of ABA signaling and its implications for plant biology.