Cytokinins modulate auxin-induced organogenesis in plants via regulation of the auxin efflux

Auxin: a regulator of cold stress response

The growth hormone auxin regulates essentially all aspects of plant developmental processes under optimum condition. However, as a sessile organism, plants encounter both optimal and non-optimal conditions during their life cycle. Various biotic and abiotic stresses affect the growth and development of plants. Although several phytohormones, such as salicylic acid, jasmonate and ethylene, have been shown to play central roles in regulating the plant development under biotic stresses, the knowledge of the role of hormones, particularly auxin, in abiotic stresses is limiting. Among the abiotic stresses, cold stress is one of the major stress in limiting the plant development and crop productivity. This review focuses on the role of auxin in developmental regulation of plants under cold stress. The emerging trend from the recent experiments suggest that cold stress induced change in the plant growth and development is tightly linked to the intracellular auxin gradient, which is regulated by the polar deployment and intracellular trafficking of auxin carriers.

Getting to the roots of it: Genetic and hormonal control of root architecture

Root system architecture (RSA) - the spatial configuration of a root system - is an important developmental and agronomic trait, with implications for overall plant architecture, growth rate and yield, abiotic stress resistance, nutrient uptake, and developmental plasticity in response to environmental changes. Root architecture is modulated by intrinsic, hormone-mediated pathways, intersecting with pathways that perceive and respond to external, environmental signals. The recent development of several non-invasive 2D and 3D root imaging systems has enhanced our ability to accurately observe and quantify architectural traits on complex whole-root systems. Coupled with the powerful marker-based genotyping and sequencing platforms currently available, these root phenotyping technologies lend themselves to large-scale genome-wide association studies, and can speed the identification and characterization of the genes and pathways involved in root system development. This capability provides the foundation for examining the contribution of root architectural traits to the performance of crop varieties in diverse environments. This review focuses on our current understanding of the genes and pathways involved in determining RSA in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic (environmental) response pathways, and provides a brief overview of the latest root system phenotyping technologies and their potential impact on elucidating the genetic control of root development in plants.

Molecular mechanisms of hydrotropism in seedling roots of Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae)

Roots show positive hydrotropism in response to moisture gradients, which is believed to contribute to plant water acquisition. This article reviews the recent advances of the physiological and molecular genetic studies on hydrotropism in seedling roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified MIZU-KUSSEI1 (MIZ1) and MIZ2, essential genes for hydrotropism in roots; the former encodes a protein of unknown function, and the latter encodes an ARF-GEF (GNOM) protein involved in vesicle trafficking. Because both mutants are defective in hydrotropism but not in gravitropism, these mutations might affect a molecular mechanism unique to hydrotropism. MIZ1 is expressed in the lateral root cap and cortex of the root proper. It is localized as a soluble protein in the cytoplasm and in association with the cytoplasmic face of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes in root cells. Light and ABA independently regulate MIZ1 expression, which influences the ultimate hydrotropic response. In addition, MIZ1 overexpression results in an enhancement of hydrotropism and an inhibition of lateral root formation. This phenotype is likely related to the alteration of auxin content in roots. Specifically, the auxin level in the roots decreases in the MIZ1 overexpressor and increases in the miz1 mutant. Unlike most gnom mutants, miz2 displays normal morphology, growth, and gravitropism, with normal localization of PIN proteins. It is probable that MIZ1 plays a crucial role in hydrotropic response by regulating the endogenous level of auxin in Arabidopsis roots. Furthermore, the role of GNOM/MIZ2 in hydrotropism is distinct from that of gravitropism.

Hormones talking: does hormonal cross-talk shape the Arabidopsis gynoecium?

The proper development of fruits is important for the sexual reproduction and propagation of many plant species. The fruit of Arabidopsis derives from the fertilized gynoecium, which initiates at the center of the flower and obtains its final shape, size, and functional tissues through progressive stages of development. Hormones, specially auxins, play important roles in gynoecium and fruit patterning. Cytokinins, which act as counterparts to auxins in other plant tissues, have been studied more in the context of ovule formation and parthenocarpy. We recently studied the role of cytokinins in gynoecium and fruit patterning and found that they have more than one role during gynoecium and fruit patterning. We also compared the cytokinin response localization to the auxin response localization in these organs, and studied the effects of spraying cytokinins in young flowers of an auxin response line. In this addendum, we discuss further the implications of the observed results in the knowledge about the relationship between cytokinins and auxins at the gynoecium.

The role of cytokinin during Arabidopsis gynoecia and fruit morphogenesis and patterning

Cytokinins have many essential roles in embryonic and post-embryonic growth and development, but their role in fruit morphogenesis is currently not really known. Moreover, information about the spatio-temporal localization pattern of cytokinin signaling in gynoecia and fruits is lacking. Therefore, the synthetic reporter line TCS::GFP was used to visualize cytokinin signaling during gynoecium and fruit development. Fluorescence was detected at medial regions of developing gynoecia, and, unexpectedly, at the valve margin in developing fruits, and was severely altered in mutants that lack or ectopically acquire valve margin identity. Comparison to developing gynoecia and fruits in a DR5rev::GFP line showed that the transcriptional responses to cytokinin and auxin are frequently present in complementary patterns. Moreover, cytokinin treatments in early gynoecia produced conspicuous changes, and treatment of valve margin mutant fruits restored this tissue. The results suggest that the phytohormone cytokinin is important in gynoecium and fruit patterning and morphogenesis, playing at least two roles: an early proliferation-inducing role at the medial tissues of the developing gynoecia, and a late role in fruit patterning and morphogenesis at the valve margin of developing fruits.

Cytokinin activity of cis-zeatin and phenotypic alterations induced by overexpression of putative cis-Zeatin-O-glucosyltransferase in rice

cis-Zeatin (cZ) is generally regarded as a cytokinin with little or no activity, compared with the highly active trans-zeatin (tZ). Although recent studies suggested possible roles for cZ, its physiological significance remains unclear. In our studies with rice (Oryza sativa), cZ inhibited seminal root elongation and up-regulated cytokinin-inducible genes, and its activities were comparable to those of tZ. Tracer experiments showed that exogenously supplied cZ-riboside was mainly converted into cZ derivatives but scarcely into tZ derivatives, indicating that isomerizations of cZ derivatives into tZ derivatives are a minor pathway in rice cytokinin metabolism. We identified three putative cZ-O-glucosyltransferases (cZOGT1, cZOGT2, and cZOGT3) in rice. The cZOGTs preferentially catalyzed O-glucosylation of cZ and cZ-riboside rather than tZ and tZ-riboside in vitro. Transgenic rice lines ectopically overexpressing the cZOGT1 and cZOGT2 genes exhibited short-shoot phenotypes, delay of leaf senescence, and decrease in crown root number, while cZOGT3 overexpressor lines did not show shortened shoots. These results propose that cZ activity has a physiological impact on the growth and development of rice.

Roles and regulation of cytokinins in tomato fruit development

Cytokinins (CKs) are thought to play important roles in fruit development, especially cell division. However, the mechanisms and regulation of CK activity have not been well investigated. This study analysed CK concentrations and expression of genes involved in CK metabolism in developing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) ovaries. The concentrations of CK ribosides and isopentenyladenine and the transcript levels of the CK biosynthetic genes SlIPT3, SlIPT4, SlLOG6, and SlLOG8 were high at anthesis and decreased immediately afterward. In contrast, trans-zeatin concentration and the transcript levels of the CK biosynthetic genes SlIPT1, SlIPT2, SlCYP735A1, SlCYP735A2, and SlLOG2 increased after anthesis. The expression of type-A response regulator genes was high in tomato ovaries from pre-anthesis to early post-anthesis stages. These results suggest that the CK signal transduction pathway is active in the cell division phase of fruit development. This study also investigated the effect of CK application on fruit set and development. Application of a synthetic CK, N-(2-chloro-pyridin-4-yl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU), to unpollinated tomato ovaries induced parthenocarpic fruit development. The CPPU-induced parthenocarpic fruits were smaller than pollinated fruits, because of reduction of pericarp cell size rather than reduced cell number. Thus, CPPU-induced parthenocarpy was attributable to the promotion of cell division, not cell expansion. Overall, the results provide evidence that CKs are involved in cell division during development of tomato fruit.

Genetic approach towards the identification of auxin-cytokinin crosstalk components involved in root development

Phytohormones are important plant growth regulators that control many developmental processes, such as cell division, cell differentiation, organogenesis and morphogenesis. They regulate a multitude of apparently unrelated physiological processes, often with overlapping roles, and they mutually modulate their effects. These features imply important synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the various plant hormones. Auxin and cytokinin are central hormones involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, including processes determining root architecture, such as root pole establishment during early embryogenesis, root meristem maintenance and lateral root organogenesis. Thus, to control root development both pathways put special demands on the mechanisms that balance their activities and mediate their interactions. Here, we summarize recent knowledge on the role of auxin and cytokinin in the regulation of root architecture with special focus on lateral root organogenesis, discuss the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms of their interactions, and present forward genetic screen as a tool to identify novel molecular components of the auxin and cytokinin crosstalk.

Remodeling of cytokinin metabolism at infection sites of Colletotrichum graminicola on maize leaves

When inoculated onto maize leaves at the onset of senescence, the hemibiotroph Colletotrichum graminicola causes green islands that are surrounded by senescing tissue. Taking advantage of green islands as indicators of sites of the establishment of successful infection and of advanced high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methodology, we analyzed changes in the patterns and levels of cytokinins (CK) at high spatial and analytical resolution. Twenty individual CK were detected in green islands. Levels of cis-zeatin-9-riboside and cis-zeatin-9-riboside-5'-monophosphate increased drastically, whereas that of the most prominent CK, cis-zeatin-O-glucoside, decreased. The fungus likely performed these conversions because corresponding activities were also detected in in vitro cultures amended with CK. We found no evidence that C. graminicola is able to synthesize CK entirely de novo in minimal medium but, after adding dimethylallyl diphosphate, a precursor of CK biosynthesis occurring in plants, a series of trans-zeatin isoforms (i.e., trans-zeatin-9-riboside-5'-monophosphate, trans-zeatin-9-riboside, and trans-zeatin) was formed. After applying CK onto uninfected leaves, transcripts of marker genes for senescence, photosynthesis, and assimilate distribution were measured by quantitative reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction; furthermore, pulse-amplitude modulation chlorophyll fluorometry and single-photon avalanche diode analyses were conducted. These experiments suggested that modulation of CK metabolism at the infection site affects host physiology.

Hormonal interactions in the regulation of plant development

Plants exhibit a unique developmental flexibility to ever-changing environmental conditions. To achieve their profound adaptability, plants are able to maintain permanent stem cell populations and form new organs during the entire plant life cycle. Signaling substances, called plant hormones, such as auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroid, ethylene, gibberellin, jasmonic acid, and strigolactone, govern and coordinate these developmental processes. Physiological and genetic studies have dissected the molecular components of signal perception and transduction of the individual hormonal pathways. However, over recent years it has become evident that hormones do not act only in a linear pathway. Hormonal pathways are interconnected by a complex network of interactions and feedback circuits that determines the final outcome of the individual hormone actions. This raises questions about the molecular mechanisms underlying hormonal cross talk and about how these hormonal networks are established, maintained, and modulated throughout plant development.

Modeling a cortical auxin maximum for nodulation: different signatures of potential strategies

Lateral organ formation from plant roots typically requires the de novo creation of a meristem, initiated at the location of a localized auxin maximum. Legume roots can form both root nodules and lateral roots. From the basic principles of auxin transport and metabolism only a few mechanisms can be inferred for increasing the local auxin concentration: increased influx, decreased efflux, and (increased) local production. Using computer simulations we investigate the different spatio-temporal patterns resulting from each of these mechanisms in the context of a root model of a generalized legume. We apply all mechanisms to the same group of preselected cells, dubbed the controlled area. We find that each mechanism leaves its own characteristic signature. Local production by itself can not create a strong auxin maximum. An increase of influx, as is observed in lateral root formation, can result in an auxin maximum that is spatially more confined than the controlled area. A decrease of efflux on the other hand leads to a broad maximum, which is more similar to what is observed for nodule primordia. With our prime interest in nodulation, we further investigate the dynamics following a decrease of efflux. We find that with a homogeneous change in the whole cortex, the first auxin accumulation is observed in the inner cortex. The steady state lateral location of this efflux reduced auxin maximum can be shifted by slight changes in the ratio of central to peripheral efflux carriers. We discuss the implications of this finding in the context of determinate and indeterminate nodules, which originate from different cortical positions. The patterns we have found are robust under disruption of the (artificial) tissue layout. The same patterns are therefore likely to occur in many other contexts.

Hormone signaling in plant development

Hormone signaling plays diverse and critical roles during plant development. In particular, hormone interactions regulate meristem function and therefore control formation of all organs in the plant. Recent advances have dissected commonalities and differences in the interaction of auxin and cytokinin in the regulation of shoot and root apical meristem function. In addition, brassinosteroid hormones have recently been discovered to regulate root apical meristem size. Further insights have also been made into our understanding of the mechanism of crosstalk among auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactone in axillary meristems.

Cytokinin signaling networks

Despite long-standing observations on diverse cytokinin actions, the discovery path to cytokinin signaling mechanisms was tortuous. Unyielding to conventional genetic screens, experimental innovations were paramount in unraveling the core cytokinin signaling circuitry, which employs a large repertoire of genes with overlapping and specific functions. The canonical two-component transcription circuitry involves His kinases that perceive cytokinin and initiate signaling, as well as His-to-Asp phosphorelay proteins that transfer phosphoryl groups to response regulators, transcriptional activators, or repressors. Recent advances have revealed the complex physiological functions of cytokinins, including interactions with auxin and other signal transduction pathways. This review begins by outlining the historical path to cytokinin discovery and then elucidates the diverse cytokinin functions and key signaling components. Highlights focus on the integration of cytokinin signaling components into regulatory networks in specific contexts, ranging from molecular, cellular, and developmental regulations in the embryo, root apical meristem, shoot apical meristem, stem and root vasculature, and nodule organogenesis to organismal responses underlying immunity, stress tolerance, and senescence.

Manipulation of plant architecture to enhance lignocellulosic biomass

BACKGROUND

Biofuels hold the promise to replace an appreciable proportion of fossil fuels. Not only do they emit significantly lower amounts of greenhouse gases, they are much closer to being 'carbon neutral', since the source plants utilize carbon dioxide for their growth. In particular, second-generation lignocellulosic biofuels from agricultural wastes and non-food crops such as switchgrass promise sustainability and avoid diverting food crops to fuel. Currently, available lignocellulosic biomass could yield sufficient bioethanol to replace ∼10 % of worldwide petroleum use. Increasing the biomass used for biofuel production and the yield of bioethanol will thus help meet global energy demands while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SCOPE

We discuss the advantages of various biotechnological approaches to improve crops and highlight the contribution of genomics and functional genomics in this field. Current knowledge concerning plant hormones and their intermediates involved in the regulation of plant architecture is presented with a special focus on gibberellins and cytokinins, and their signalling intermediates. We highlight the potential of information gained from model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) to accelerate improvement of fuel crops.

Two SERK genes are markers of pluripotency in Cyclamen persicum Mill

The genetic basis of stem cell specification in somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis is still obscure. SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SERK) genes are involved in embryogenesis and organogenesis in numerous species. In vitro culture of Cyclamen persicum immature ovules provides a system for investigating stem cell formation and maintenance, because lines forming either organs or embryos or callus without organs/embryos are available for the same cultivar and plant growth regulator conditions. The present aim was to exploit this property of cyclamen cultures to understand the role of SERK(s) in stem cell formation and maintenance in somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in vitro, in comparison with expression in planta. CpSERK1 and CpSERK2 were isolated from embryogenic callus. CpSERK1 and CpSERK2 levels by RT-PCR showed that expression is high in embryogenic, moderate in organogenic, and null in recalcitrant calli. in situ hybridizations showed that the expression of both genes started in clumps of pluripotent stem cells, from which both pre-embryogenic aggregates and organ meristemoids derived, and continued in their trans-amplifying, meristem-like, derivatives. Expression declined in organ meristemoids, in parallel with a partial loss of meristematization. In mature somatic embryos, and in shoot and root primordia, CpSERK1 and CpSERK2 were expressed in meristems, and similar patterns occurred in zygotic embryo and primary meristems in planta. The results point to SERK1 and SERK2 as markers of pluripotency in cyclamen. It is proposed that the high expression of these genes in the trans-amplifying derivatives of the stem cells maintains a pluripotent condition leading to totipotency and, consequently, somatic embryogenesis.

Biotechnological approaches for conservation and improvement of rare and endangered plants of Saudi Arabia

Genetic variation is believed to be a prerequisite for the short-and long-term survival of the plant species in their natural habitat. It depends on many environmental factors which determine the number of alleles on various loci in the genome. Therefore, it is important to understand the genetic composition and structure of the rare and endangered plant species from their natural habitat to develop successful management strategies for their conservation. However, rare and endangered plant species have low genetic diversity due to which their survival rate is decreasing in the wilds. The evaluation of genetic diversity of such species is very important for their conservation and gene manipulation. However, plant species can be conserved by in situ and in vitro methods and each has advantages and disadvantages. DNA banking can be considered as a means of complimentary method for the conservation of plant species by preserving their genomic DNA at low temperatures. Such approach of preservation of biological information provides opportunity for researchers to search novel genes and its products. Therefore, in this review we are describing some potential biotechnological approaches for the conservation and further manipulation of these rare and endangered plant species to enhance their yield and quality traits.

De novo shoot organogenesis: from art to science

In vitro shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration are crucial for both plant biotechnology and the fundamental study of plant biology. Although the importance of auxin and cytokinin has been known for more than six decades, the underlying molecular mechanisms of their function have only been revealed recently. Advances in identifying new Arabidopsis genes, implementing live-imaging tools and understanding cellular and molecular networks regulating de novo shoot organogenesis have helped to redefine the empirical models of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration. Here, we review the functions and interactions of genes that control key steps in two distinct developmental processes: de novo shoot organogenesis and lateral root formation.

Founder cell specification

Lateral organs arise from individual or groups of cells either on the flanks of meristems or within defined cellular positional contexts. The first event in organogenesis is founder cell specification. Auxin is one necessary signal in different organ specification contexts, but it is difficult to distinguish between correlative and causal signals and evidence is emerging that other signals exist and that the interplay between these signals is important for organ initiation. This review analyses the progress in understanding which signals contribute to founder cell specification and outlines the emerging complexities in the perception of positional information that are context-dependent and reliant on the establishment and coordination of different types of competencies.

Type-A response regulators are required for proper root apical meristem function through post-transcriptional regulation of PIN auxin efflux carriers

The phytohormones cytokinin and auxin regulate a diverse array of plant processes, often acting together to modulate growth and development. Although much has been learned with regard to how each of these hormones act individually, we are just beginning to understand how these signals interact to achieve an integrated response. Previous studies indicated that exogenous cytokinin has an effect on the transcription of several PIN efflux carriers. Here we show that disruption of type-A Arabidopsis response regulators (ARRs), which are negative regulators of cytokinin signalling, alters the levels of PIN proteins and results in increased sensitivity to N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid, an inhibitor of polar auxin transport. Disruption of eight of the 10 type-A ARR genes affects root development by altering the size of the apical meristem. Furthermore, we show that the effect of cytokinin on PIN abundance occurs primarily at the post-transcriptional level. Alterations of PIN levels in the type-A ARR mutants result in changes in the distribution of auxin in root tips as measured by a DR5::GFP reporter, and an altered pattern of cell division and differentiation in the stem cell niche in the root apical meristem. Together, these data indicate that cytokinin, acting through the type-A ARRs, alters the level of several PIN efflux carriers, and thus regulates the distribution of auxin within the root tip.

CUC2 as an early marker for regeneration competence in Arabidopsis root explants

CUP SHAPED COTELYDON 2 (CUC2) was tested as a marker for shoot induction to monitor and facilitate the optimization of in vitro regeneration of Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of a pCUC2::3XVENUS-N7 fluorescent marker allowed the observation of early steps in the initiation and development of shoots on root explants. The explants were first incubated on an auxin-rich callus induction medium (CIM) and then transferred to a cytokinin-rich shoot induction medium (SIM). CUC2-expression occurred prior to visible shoot formation during the incubation of the root explant on CIM. Shoot formation was invariably preceded by the accumulation of CUC2 expression at dispersed sites along the root explant. These patches of CUC2-expression also marked the site of lateral root primordium formation in root explants that were transferred to hormone free medium. Thus, CUC2 is a predictive marker for the acquisition of root explant competence for root and shoot organogenesis.

DNA methylation and histone modifications regulate de novo shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis by modulating WUSCHEL expression and auxin signaling

Plants have a profound capacity to regenerate organs from differentiated somatic tissues, based on which propagating plants in vitro was made possible. Beside its use in biotechnology, in vitro shoot regeneration is also an important system to study de novo organogenesis. Phytohormones and transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) play critical roles in this process but whether and how epigenetic modifications are involved is unknown. Here, we report that epigenetic marks of DNA methylation and histone modifications regulate de novo shoot regeneration of Arabidopsis through modulating WUS expression and auxin signaling. First, functional loss of key epigenetic genes—including METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (MET1) encoding for DNA methyltransferase, KRYPTONITE (KYP) for the histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase, JMJ14 for the histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) demethylase, and HAC1 for the histone acetyltransferase—resulted in altered WUS expression and developmental rates of regenerated shoots in vitro. Second, we showed that regulatory regions of WUS were developmentally regulated by both DNA methylation and histone modifications through bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Third, DNA methylation in the regulatory regions of WUS was lost in the met1 mutant, thus leading to increased WUS expression and its localization. Fourth, we did a genome-wide transcriptional analysis and found out that some of differentially expressed genes between wild type and met1 were involved in signal transduction of the phytohormone auxin. We verified that the increased expression of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3) in met1 indeed was due to DNA demethylation, suggesting DNA methylation regulates de novo shoot regeneration by modulating auxin signaling. We propose that DNA methylation and histone modifications regulate de novo shoot regeneration by modulating WUS expression and auxin signaling. The study demonstrates that, although molecular components involved in organogenesis are divergently evolved in plants and animals, epigenetic modifications play an evolutionarily convergent role in this process.

Plants have a strong ability to generate organs from differentiated somatic tissues. Due to this feature, shoot regeneration in vitro has been used as an important way for producing whole plants in agriculture and biotechnology. Phytohormones and the transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) are essential for reprogramming during de novo shoot regeneration. Epigenetic modifications are also critical for mammalian cell differentiation and organogenesis. Here, we show that epigenetic modifications mediate the de novo shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis. Mutations of key epigenetic genes resulted in altered WUS expression and developmental rates of regenerated shoots in vitro. Bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that the regulatory regions of WUS were developmentally regulated by both DNA methylation and histone modifications. By transcriptome analysis, we identified that some differentially expressed genes between wild type and met1 are involved in signal transduction of the phytohormone auxin. Our results suggest that DNA methylation and histone modifications regulate de novo shoot regeneration by modulating WUS expression and auxin signaling. The study demonstrates that, although molecular components involved in organogenesis are divergently evolved in plants and animals, epigenetic modifications play an evolutionarily convergent role during de novo organogenesis.

The rules of engagement in the legume-rhizobial symbiosis

Rhizobial bacteria enter a symbiotic association with leguminous plants, resulting in differentiated bacteria enclosed in intracellular compartments called symbiosomes within nodules on the root. The nodules and associated symbiosomes are structured for efficient nitrogen fixation. Although the interaction is beneficial to both partners, it comes with rigid rules that are strictly enforced by the plant. Entry into root cells requires appropriate recognition of the rhizobial Nod factor signaling molecule, and this recognition activates a series of events, including polarized root-hair tip growth, invagination associated with bacterial infection, and the promotion of cell division in the cortex leading to the nodule meristem. The plant's command of the infection process has been highlighted by its enforcement of terminal differentiation upon the bacteria within nodules of some legumes, and this can result in a loss of bacterial viability while permitting effective nitrogen fixation. Here, we review the mechanisms by which the plant allows bacterial infection and promotes the formation of the nodule, as well as the details of how this intimate association plays out inside the cells of the nodule where a complex interchange of metabolites and regulatory peptides force the bacteria into a nitrogen-fixing organelle-like state.

Cytokinin interplay with ethylene, auxin, and glucose signaling controls Arabidopsis seedling root directional growth

Optimal root architecture is established by multiple intrinsic (e.g. hormones) and extrinsic (e.g. gravity and touch) signals and is established, in part, by directed root growth. We show that asymmetrical exposure of cytokinin (CK) at the root tip in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) promotes cell elongation that is potentiated by glucose in a hexokinase-influenced, G protein-independent manner. This mode of CK signaling requires the CK receptor, ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE4 and, at a minimum, its cognate type B ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS ARR1, ARR10, and ARR11 for full responsiveness, while type A response regulators act redundantly to attenuate this CK response. Ethylene signaling through the ethylene receptor ETHYLENE RESISTANT1 and its downstream signaling element ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 are required for CK-induced root cell elongation. Negative and positive feedback loops are reinforced by CK regulation of the expression of the genes encoding these elements in both the CK and ethylene signaling pathways. Auxin transport facilitated by PIN-FORMED2 as well as auxin signaling through control of the steady-state level of transcriptional repressors INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID7 (IAA7), IAA14, and IAA17 via TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE1/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX PROTEIN are involved in CK-induced root cell elongation. This action lies downstream of ethylene and CK induction. Intrinsic signaling in this response operates independently of the extrinsic signal touch, although actin filament organization, which is important in the touch response, may be important for this response, since latrunculin B can induce similar growth. This root growth response may have adaptive significance, since CK responsiveness is inversely related to root coiling and waving, two root behaviors known to be important for fitness.

Auxin-cytokinin interaction regulates meristem development

Plant hormones regulate many aspects of plant growth and development. Both auxin and cytokinin have been known for a long time to act either synergistically or antagonistically to control several significant developmental processes, such as the formation and maintenance of meristem. Over the past few years, exciting progress has been made to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the auxin-cytokinin action and interaction. In this review, we shall briefly discuss the major progress made in auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis, auxin transport, and auxin and cytokinin signaling. The frameworks for the complicated interaction of these two hormones in the control of shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem formation as well as their roles in in vitro organ regeneration are the major focus of this review.

STENOFOLIA regulates blade outgrowth and leaf vascular patterning in Medicago truncatula and Nicotiana sylvestris

Dicot leaf primordia initiate at the flanks of the shoot apical meristem and extend laterally by cell division and cell expansion to form the flat lamina, but the molecular mechanism of lamina outgrowth remains unclear. Here, we report the identification of STENOFOLIA (STF), a WUSCHEL-like homeobox transcriptional regulator, in Medicago truncatula, which is required for blade outgrowth and leaf vascular patterning. STF belongs to the MAEWEST clade and its inactivation by the transposable element of Nicotiana tabacum cell type1 (Tnt1) retrotransposon insertion leads to abortion of blade expansion in the mediolateral axis and disruption of vein patterning. We also show that the classical lam1 mutant of Nicotiana sylvestris, which is blocked in lamina formation and stem elongation, is caused by deletion of the STF ortholog. STF is expressed at the adaxial-abaxial boundary layer of leaf primordia and governs organization and outgrowth of lamina, conferring morphogenetic competence. STF does not affect formation of lateral leaflets but is critical to their ability to generate a leaf blade. Our data suggest that STF functions by modulating phytohormone homeostasis and crosstalk directly linked to sugar metabolism, highlighting the importance of coordinating metabolic and developmental signals for leaf elaboration.

Phloem-transported cytokinin regulates polar auxin transport and maintains vascular pattern in the root meristem

Cytokinin phytohormones regulate a variety of developmental processes in the root such as meristem size, vascular pattern, and root architecture [1-3]. Long-distance transport of cytokinin is supported by the discovery of cytokinins in xylem and phloem sap [4] and by grafting experiments between wild-type and cytokinin biosynthesis mutants [5]. Acropetal transport of cytokinin (toward the shoot apex) has also been implicated in the control of shoot branching [6]. However, neither the mode of transport nor a developmental role has been shown for basipetal transport of cytokinin (toward the root apex). In this paper, we combine the use of a new technology that blocks symplastic connections in the phloem with a novel approach to visualize radiolabeled hormones in planta to examine the basipetal transport of cytokinin. We show that this occurs through symplastic connections in the phloem. The reduction of cytokinin levels in the phloem leads to a destabilization of the root vascular pattern in a manner similar to mutants affected in auxin transport or cytokinin signaling [7]. Together, our results demonstrate a role for long-distance basipetal transport of cytokinin in controlling polar auxin transport and maintaining the vascular pattern in the root meristem.

Functional characterization of the CKRC1/TAA1 gene and dissection of hormonal actions in the Arabidopsis root

Cytokinin (CK) influences many aspects of plant growth and development, and its function often involves intricate interactions with other phytohormones such as auxin and ethylene. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of CK and its interactions with other growth regulators are still poorly understood. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of the Arabidopsis CK-induced root curling 1 (ckrc1) mutant. CKRC1 encodes a previously identified tryptophan aminotransferase (TAA1) involved in the indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) pathway of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. The ckrc1 mutant exhibits a defective root gravitropic response (GR) and an increased resistance to CK in primary root growth. These defects can be rescued by exogenous auxin or IPA. Furthermore, we show that CK up-regulates CKRC1/TAA1 expression but inhibits polar auxin transport in roots in an AHK3/ARR1/12-dependent and ethylene-independent manner. Our results suggest that CK regulates root growth and development not only by down-regulating polar auxin transport, but also by stimulating local auxin biosynthesis.

Evolution of cytokinin biosynthesis and degradation

Cytokinin hormones are important regulators of development and environmental responses of plants that execute their action via the molecular machinery of signal perception and transduction. The limiting step of the whole process is the availability of the hormone in suitable concentrations in the right place and at the right time to interact with the specific receptor. Hence, the hormone concentrations in individual tissues, cells, and organelles must be properly maintained by biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes. Although there are merely two active cytokinins, isopentenyladenine and its hydroxylated derivative zeatin, a variety of conjugates they may form and the number of enzymes/isozymes with varying substrate specificity involved in their biosynthesis and conversion gives the plant a variety of tools for fine tuning of the hormone level. Recent genome-wide studies revealed the existence of the respective coding genes and gene families in plants and in some bacteria. This review summarizes present knowledge on the enzymes that synthesize cytokinins, form cytokinin conjugates, and carry out irreversible elimination of the hormones, including their phylogenetic analysis and possible variations in different organisms.

Arabidopsis shoot organogenesis is enhanced by an amino acid change in the ATHB15 transcription factor

The hoc mutant displays high organogenic competence for in vitro shoot regeneration without addition of exogenous phytohormones. The genetic basis of this phenotype is investigated here. Using genetic mapping, the HOC locus was identified on chromosome 1. A point mutation was found in the At1g52150 gene, which encodes ATHB15/CORONA/INCURVATA4, a class III HD-ZIP transcription factor. The mutation replaced a serine with a cysteine in the MEKHLA domain of the protein. The wild-type ATHB15 gene was able to complement the hoc phenotype. Organogenesis response experiments revealed that hoc organogenic capacity was affected by the genetic background, and that it was not caused by a loss of ATHB15 function but by an effect of the mutation on protein function.

Sending mixed messages: auxin-cytokinin crosstalk in roots

Despite their relatively simple appearance, roots are incredibly complex organs that are highly adapted to differing environments. Many aspects of root development are co-ordinated by subtle spatial differences in the concentrations of the phytohormones auxin and cytokinin. Events from the formation of a root during embryogenesis to the determination of the network of lateral roots are controlled by interactions between these hormones. Recently, interactions have been defined where auxin signaling promotes the expression of cytokinin signaling inhibitors, cytokinin signaling promotes the expression of auxin signaling inhibitors and finally where cytokinin signaling regulates the complex network of auxin transport proteins to position zones of high auxin signaling. We are witnessing a period of discovery in which we are beginning to understand how these hormonal pathways communicate to regulate root formation.

RCD1 and SRO1 are necessary to maintain meristematic fate in Arabidopsis thaliana

The radical-induced cell death1 and similar to RCD ONE1 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana encode members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) superfamily and have pleiotropic functions in development and abiotic stress response. In order to begin to understand the developmental and molecular bases of the defects seen in rcd1-3; sro1-1 plants, this study used the root as a model. Double mutant roots are short and display abnormally organized root apical meristems. However, acquisition of most cell fates within the root is not significantly disrupted. The identity of the quiescent centre is compromised, the zone of cell division is smaller than in wild-type roots and abnormal divisions are common, suggesting that RCD1 and SRO1 are necessary to maintain cells in a division-competent state and to regulate division plane placement. In addition, differentiation of several cell types is disrupted in rcd1-3; sro1-1 roots and shoots, demonstrating that RCD1 and SRO1 are also necessary for proper cell differentiation. Based on the data shown in this article and previous work, we hypothesize that RCD1 and SRO1 are involved in redox control and, in their absence, an altered redox balance leads to abnormal development.

Auxin influx inhibitors 1-NOA, 2-NOA, and CHPAA interfere with membrane dynamics in tobacco cells

The phytohormone auxin is transported through the plant body either via vascular pathways or from cell to cell by specialized polar transport machinery. This machinery consists of a balanced system of passive diffusion combined with the activities of auxin influx and efflux carriers. Synthetic auxins that differ in the mechanisms of their transport across the plasma membrane together with polar auxin transport inhibitors have been used in many studies on particular auxin carriers and their role in plant development. However, the exact mechanism of action of auxin efflux and influx inhibitors has not been fully elucidated. In this report, the mechanism of action of the auxin influx inhibitors (1-naphthoxyacetic acid (1-NOA), 2-naphthoxyacetic acid (2-NOA), and 3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (CHPAA)) is examined by direct measurements of auxin accumulation, cellular phenotypic analysis, as well as by localization studies of Arabidopsis thaliana L. auxin carriers heterologously expressed in Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. Bright Yellow cell suspensions. The mode of action of 1-NOA, 2-NOA, and CHPAA has been shown to be linked with the dynamics of the plasma membrane. The most potent inhibitor, 1-NOA, blocked the activities of both auxin influx and efflux carriers, whereas 2-NOA and CHPAA at the same concentration preferentially inhibited auxin influx. The results suggest that these, previously unknown, activities of putative auxin influx inhibitors regulate overall auxin transport across the plasma membrane depending on the dynamics of particular membrane vesicles.

Involvement of cytokinins in the grain filling of rice under alternate wetting and drying irrigation

Cytokinins may reflect soil water status and regulate rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain filling. This study investigated the changes in cytokinin levels in rice plants and their relations with grain filling under alternate wetting and drying irrigation. Two 'super' rice cultivars were field grown. Three irrigation regimes, alternate wetting and moderate soil drying (WMD), alternate wetting and severe soil drying (WSD), and conventional irrigation (CI, continuously flooded), were imposed after flowering. No significant differences in grain-filling rate, grain weight, and cytokinin content were observed for the earlier-flowering superior spikelets among the three irrigation regimes. For the later-flowering inferior spikelets, however, their grain-filling rate and grain weight were significantly increased in the WMD and significantly reduced in the WSD when compared with those in the CI. Cytokinin contents in shoots (inferior spikelets and the flag leaves) in the WMD at the soil drying time were comparable with those in the CI, but they were significantly increased when plants were rewatered. The WSD significantly reduced cytokinin contents in the shoot either during soil drying or during the rewatering period. Cytokinin contents in roots showed no significant difference between the WMD and CI regimes. The WSD increased trans-zeatin-type cytokinins, whereas it reduced isopentenyladenine-type cytokinins, in roots. Grain-filling rate and grain weight of inferior spikelets were very significantly correlated with cytokinin contents in these spikelets. The results suggest that a post-anthesis WMD holds great promise to improve grain filling of inferior spikelets through elevating cytokinin levels in the rice shoot.

Improvement of phosphate solubilization and Medicago plant yield by an indole-3-acetic acid-overproducing strain of Sinorhizobium meliloti

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the most limiting factors for plant growth. Some microorganisms improve the uptake and availability of N and P, minimizing chemical fertilizer dependence. It has been published that the RD64 strain, a Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 strain engineered to overproduce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), showed improved nitrogen fixation ability compared to the wild-type 1021 strain. Here, we present data showing that RD64 is also highly effective in mobilizing P from insoluble sources, such as phosphate rock (PR). Under P-limiting conditions, the higher level of P-mobilizing activity of RD64 than of the 1021 wild-type strain is connected with the upregulation of genes coding for the high-affinity P transport system, the induction of acid phosphatase activity, and the increased secretion into the growth medium of malic, succinic, and fumaric acids. Medicago truncatula plants nodulated by RD64 (Mt-RD64), when grown under P-deficient conditions, released larger amounts of another P-solubilizing organic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, than plants nodulated by the wild-type strain (Mt-1021). It has already been shown that Mt-RD64 plants exhibited higher levels of dry-weight production than Mt-1021 plants. Here, we also report that P-starved Mt-RD64 plants show significant increases in both shoot and root fresh weights when compared to P-starved Mt-1021 plants. We discuss how, in a Rhizobium-legume model system, a balanced interplay of different factors linked to bacterial IAA overproduction rather than IAA production per se stimulates plant growth under stressful environmental conditions and, in particular, under P starvation.

Specification of cortical parenchyma and stele of maize primary roots by asymmetric levels of auxin, cytokinin, and cytokinin-regulated proteins

In transverse orientation, maize (Zea mays) roots are composed of a central stele that is embedded in multiple layers of cortical parenchyma. The stele functions in the transport of water, nutrients, and photosynthates, while the cortical parenchyma fulfills metabolic functions that are not very well characterized. To better understand the molecular functions of these root tissues, protein- and phytohormone-profiling experiments were conducted. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry identified 59 proteins that were preferentially accumulated in the cortical parenchyma and 11 stele-specific proteins. Hormone profiling revealed preferential accumulation of indole acetic acid and its conjugate indole acetic acid-aspartate in the stele and predominant localization of the cytokinin cis-zeatin, its precursor cis-zeatin riboside, and its conjugate cis-zeatin O-glucoside in the cortical parenchyma. A root-specific beta-glucosidase that functions in the hydrolysis of cis-zeatin O-glucoside was preferentially accumulated in the cortical parenchyma. Similarly, four enzymes involved in ammonium assimilation that are regulated by cytokinin were preferentially accumulated in the cortical parenchyma. The antagonistic distribution of auxin and cytokinin in the stele and cortical parenchyma, together with the cortical parenchyma-specific accumulation of cytokinin-regulated proteins, suggest a molecular framework that specifies the function of these root tissues that also play a role in the formation of lateral roots from pericycle and endodermis cells.

The PIN-FORMED (PIN) protein family of auxin transporters

A review of the PIN auxin-efflux transporters, which have important roles in plant development.

Summary

The PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins are secondary transporters acting in the efflux of the plant signal molecule auxin from cells. They are asymmetrically localized within cells and their polarity determines the directionality of intercellular auxin flow. PIN genes are found exclusively in the genomes of multicellular plants and play an important role in regulating asymmetric auxin distribution in multiple developmental processes, including embryogenesis, organogenesis, tissue differentiation and tropic responses. All PIN proteins have a similar structure with amino- and carboxy-terminal hydrophobic, membrane-spanning domains separated by a central hydrophilic domain. The structure of the hydrophobic domains is well conserved. The hydrophilic domain is more divergent and it determines eight groups within the protein family. The activity of PIN proteins is regulated at multiple levels, including transcription, protein stability, subcellular localization and transport activity. Different endogenous and environmental signals can modulate PIN activity and thus modulate auxin-distribution-dependent development. A large group of PIN proteins, including the most ancient members known from mosses, localize to the endoplasmic reticulum and they regulate the subcellular compartmentalization of auxin and thus auxin metabolism. Further work is needed to establish the physiological importance of this unexpected mode of auxin homeostasis regulation. Furthermore, the evolution of PIN-based transport, PIN protein structure and more detailed biochemical characterization of the transport function are important topics for further studies.

Auxin as compère in plant hormone crosstalk

The architecture of many hormone perceptions and signalling pathways has been recently well established, together with an awareness that plant hormone responses are the product of networks of interactions involving multiple hormones. As growth is quantitative, so are hormone responses, which underlie a systems approach to development and response. Auxin is arguably one of the best characterised hormones in plant development, and despite many excellent reviews on auxin perception, polar transport, and signal transduction, too little attention has been given to auxin crosstalk. This review, therefore, gives a précis of recent developments in hormone crosstalk involving auxin. For decades, the literature has described the involvement of multiple hormones in particular processes, although the mechanistic bases underlying points of crosstalk have been harder to pinpoint. Crosstalk falls into different categories, such as direct, indirect, or co-regulation. One conclusion for auxin crosstalk is that crosstalk operates extensively via the metabolism of other hormones, however, microarray approaches are increasingly identifying co-regulated genes and nodes of crosstalk at shared signalling components. Auxin crosstalk is often local, and is spatially and temporally regulated to provide adaptive value to environmental conditions and fine-tuning of responses.

Auxin transport routes in plant development

The differential distribution of the plant signaling molecule auxin is required for many aspects of plant development. Local auxin maxima and gradients arise as a result of local auxin metabolism and, predominantly, from directional cell-to-cell transport. In this primer, we discuss how the coordinated activity of several auxin influx and efflux systems, which transport auxin across the plasma membrane, mediates directional auxin flow. This activity crucially contributes to the correct setting of developmental cues in embryogenesis, organogenesis, vascular tissue formation and directional growth in response to environmental stimuli.

Cytokinin-auxin crosstalk

Post-embryonic plant growth and development are sustained by meristems, a source of undifferentiated cells that give rise to the adult plant structures. Two hormones, cytokinin and auxin, are known to act antagonistically in controlling meristem activities. Here, we review recent significant progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which these hormones interact to control specific aspects of plant development. For example, in the root meristem of Arabidopsis thaliana, cytokinin promotes cell differentiation by repressing both auxin signalling and transport, whereas auxin sustains root meristem activity by promoting cell division. The coordinated action of these two hormones is essential for maintaining root meristem size and for ensuring root growth.

The histidine kinases CYTOKININ-INDEPENDENT1 and ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE2 and 3 regulate vascular tissue development in Arabidopsis shoots

The development and activity of the procambium and cambium, which ensure vascular tissue formation, is critical for overall plant architecture and growth. However, little is known about the molecular factors affecting the activity of vascular meristems and vascular tissue formation. Here, we show that the His kinase CYTOKININ-INDEPENDENT1 (CKI1) and the cytokinin receptors ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE2 (AHK2) and AHK3 are important regulators of vascular tissue development in Arabidopsis thaliana shoots. Genetic modifications of CKI1 activity in Arabidopsis cause dysfunction of the two-component signaling pathway and defects in procambial cell maintenance. CKI1 overexpression in protoplasts leads to cytokinin-independent activation of the two-component phosphorelay, and intracellular domains are responsible for the cytokinin-independent activity of CKI1. CKI1 expression is observed in vascular tissues of inflorescence stems, and CKI1 forms homodimers both in vitro and in planta. Loss-of-function ahk2 and ahk3 mutants and plants with reduced levels of endogenous cytokinins show defects in procambium proliferation and an absence of secondary growth. CKI1 overexpression partially rescues ahk2 ahk3 phenotypes in vascular tissue, while the negative mutation CKI1H405Q further accentuates mutant phenotypes. These results indicate that the cytokinin-independent activity of CKI1 and cytokinin-induced AHK2 and AHK3 are important for vascular bundle formation in Arabidopsis.

Auxin gradients trigger de novo formation of stem cells during somatic embryogenesis

Single or a group of somatic cells could give rise to the whole plant, which require hormones, or plant growth regulators. Although many studies have been done during past years, how hormones specify cell fate during in vitro organogenesis is still unknown. To uncover this mechanism, Arabidopsis somatic embryogenesis has been recognized as a model for studying in vitro plant organogenesis. In this paper, we showed that establishment of auxin gradients within embryonic callus is essential for inducing stem cell formation via PIN1 regulation. This study sheds new light on how hormone regulates stem cell formation during in vitro organogenesis.

Cytokinin regulates root meristem activity via modulation of the polar auxin transport

Plant development is governed by signaling molecules called phytohormones. Typically, in certain developmental processes more than 1 hormone is implicated and, thus, coordination of their overlapping activities is crucial for correct plant development. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the hormonal crosstalk are only poorly understood. Multiple hormones including cytokinin and auxin have been implicated in the regulation of root development. Here we dissect the roles of cytokinin in modulating growth of the primary root. We show that cytokinin effect on root elongation occurs through ethylene signaling whereas cytokinin effect on the root meristem size involves ethylene-independent modulation of transport-dependent asymmetric auxin distribution. Exogenous or endogenous modification of cytokinin levels and cytokinin signaling lead to specific changes in transcription of several auxin efflux carrier genes from the PIN family having a direct impact on auxin efflux from cultured cells and on auxin distribution in the root apex. We propose a novel model for cytokinin action in regulating root growth: Cytokinin influences cell-to-cell auxin transport by modification of expression of several auxin transport components and thus modulates auxin distribution important for regulation of activity and size of the root meristem.