The spatially variable inhibition by water deficit of maize root growth correlates with altered profiles of proton flux and cell wall pH

Not so hidden anymore: Advances and challenges in understanding root growth under water deficits

Limited water availability is a major environmental factor constraining plant development and crop yields. One of the prominent adaptations of plants to water deficits is the maintenance of root growth that enables sustained access to soil water. Despite early recognition of the adaptive significance of root growth maintenance under water deficits, progress in understanding has been hampered by the inherent complexity of root systems and their interactions with the soil environment. We highlight selected milestones in the understanding of root growth responses to water deficits, with emphasis on founding studies that have shaped current knowledge and set the stage for further investigation. We revisit the concept of integrated biophysical and metabolic regulation of plant growth and use this framework to review central growth-regulatory processes occurring within root growth zones under water stress at subcellular to organ scales. Key topics include the primary processes of modifications of cell wall-yielding properties and osmotic adjustment, as well as regulatory roles of abscisic acid and its interactions with other hormones. We include consideration of long-recognized responses for which detailed mechanistic understanding has been elusive until recently, for example hydrotropism, and identify gaps in knowledge, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for future research.

Advances towards understanding the responses of root cells to acidic stress

"Acid soil syndrome" is a worldwide phenomenon characterized by low pH (pH < 5.5), scarce nutrient availability (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, P), and mineral toxicity such as those caused by soluble aluminium (Al) forms. Regardless of the mineral toxicity, the low pH by itself is detrimental to crop development causing striking sensitivity responses such as root growth arrest. However, low pH-induced responses are still poorly understood and underrated. Here, we review and discuss the core evidence about the action of low pH upon specific root zones, distinct cell types, and possible cellular targets (cell wall, plasma membrane, and alternative oxidase). The role of different players in signaling processes leading to low pH-induced responses, such as the STOP transcription factors, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), auxin, ethylene, and components of the antioxidant system, is also addressed. Information at the molecular level is still lacking to link the low pH targets and the subsequent actors that trigger the observed sensitivity responses. Future studies will have to combine genetic tools to identify the signaling processes triggered by low pH, unraveling not only the mechanisms by which low pH affects root cells but also finding new ways to engineer the tolerance of domesticated plants to acidic stress.

Silicon-mediated growth promotion in maize (Zea mays L.) occurs via a mechanism that does not involve activation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase

Silicon (Si)-mediated growth promotion of various grasses is well documented. In the present study, Si-induced changes in maize shoot growth and its underlying mechanisms were studied. Maize plants were grown with various concentrations of Si (0-3 mM) in the nutrient solution. Silicon nutrition improved plant expansion growth. Silicon-supplied maize plants (0.8 and 1.2 mM) showed higher plant height and leaf area compared to no-Si amended plants. It was assumed that Si-induced expansion growth was due to positive Si effects on plasma membrane (PM) H⁺-ATPase. In this context, western blot analysis revealed an increase in PM H⁺-ATPase abundance by 77% under Si nutrition. However, in vitro measurements of enzyme activities showed no significant effect on apoplast pH, proton pumping, passive H⁺ efflux and enzyme kinetics such as K_m, V_max, and activation energy. Further, these results were confirmed by in vivo ratiometric analysis of apoplastic pH, which showed non-significant changes upon Si supply. In contrast, 1 mM Si altered the relative transcripts of specific PM H⁺-ATPase isoforms. Silicon application resulted in a significant decrease of MHA3, and this decrease in transcription seems to be compensated by an increased concentration of H⁺-ATPase protein. From these results, it can be concluded that changes in cell wall composition and PM H⁺-ATPase may be responsible for Si-mediated growth improvement in maize.

Biochemical characterization of two chitinases from Bacillus cereus sensu lato B25 with antifungal activity against Fusarium verticillioides P03

Bacterial chitinases are a subject of intense scientific research due to their biotechnological applications, particularly their use as biological pesticides against phytopathogenic fungi as a green alternative to avoid the use of synthetic pesticides. Bacillus cereus sensu lato B25 is a rhizospheric bacterium that is a proven antagonist of Fusarium verticillioides, a major fungal pathogen of maize. This bacterium produces two chitinases that degrade the fungal cell wall and inhibit its growth. In this work, we used a heterologous expression system to purify both enzymes to investigate their biochemical traits in terms of Km, Vmax, optimal pH and temperature. ChiA and ChiB work as exochitinases, but ChiB exhibited a dual substrate activity and it is also an endochitinase. In this work, the direct addition of these chitinases inhibited fungal conidial germination and therefore they may play a major role in the antagonism against F. verticillioides.

Apoplastic Hydrogen Peroxide in the Growth Zone of the Maize Primary Root. Increased Levels Differentially Modulate Root Elongation Under Well-Watered and Water-Stressed Conditions

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can act as signaling molecules involved in the acclimation of plants to various abiotic and biotic stresses. However, it is not clear how the generalized increases in ROS and downstream signaling events that occur in response to stressful conditions are coordinated to modify plant growth and development. Previous studies of maize (Zea mays L.) primary root growth under water deficit stress showed that cell elongation is maintained in the apical region of the growth zone but progressively inhibited further from the apex, and that the rate of cell production is also decreased. It was observed that apoplastic ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), increased specifically in the apical region of the growth zone under water stress, resulting at least partly from increased oxalate oxidase activity in this region. To assess the function of the increase in apoplastic H2O2 in root growth regulation, transgenic maize lines constitutively expressing a wheat oxalate oxidase were utilized in combination with kinematic growth analysis to examine effects of increased apoplastic H2O2 on the spatial pattern of cell elongation and on cell production in well-watered and water-stressed roots. Effects of H2O2 removal (via scavenger pretreatment) specifically from the apical region of the growth zone were also assessed. The results show that apoplastic H2O2 positively modulates cell production and root elongation under well-watered conditions, whereas the normal increase in apoplastic H2O2 in water-stressed roots is causally related to down-regulation of cell production and root growth inhibition. The effects on cell production were accompanied by changes in spatial profiles of cell elongation and in the length of the growth zone. However, effects on overall cell elongation, as reflected in final cell lengths, were minor. These results reveal a fundamental role of apoplastic H2O2 in regulating cell production and root elongation in both well-watered and water-stressed conditions.

Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis of the ABCB, PIN/PIN-LIKES, and AUX/LAX Families Involved in Somatic Embryogenesis of Lilium pumilum DC. Fisch

Plant cell totipotency is one of the 25 major topics in current scientific research, and somatic embryos are good experimental material for studying cell totipotency. Polar auxin transport plays an important regulatory role in somatic embryogenesis (SE). However, little is known about the auxin transport genes and their regulatory mechanisms in Lilium SE. In this study, we applied single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing to Lilium pumilum DC. Fisch. for the first time and obtained a total of 119,649 transcripts, of which 14 encoded auxin transport genes. Correlation analyses between somatic embryo induction and gene expression under different treatments revealed that auxin transport genes, especially ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter B family member 21 (ABCB21) and PIN-FORMED (PIN) LIKES 7 (PILS7), may be key players in SE, and the necessary duration of picloram (PIC) treatment to induce SE is as short as 3 days. Our research provides valuable genetic information on Lilium pumilum, elucidating the candidate auxin transport genes involved in SE and their influencing factors. This study lays a foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of auxin transport in SE.

Decoupling the direct and indirect effects of climate on plant litter decomposition: Accounting for stress-induced modifications in plant chemistry

Decomposition of plant litter is a fundamental ecosystem process that can act as a feedback to climate change by simultaneously influencing both the productivity of ecosystems and the flux of carbon dioxide from the soil. The influence of climate on decomposition from a postsenescence perspective is relatively well known; in particular, climate is known to regulate the rate of litter decomposition via its direct influence on the reaction kinetics and microbial physiology on processes downstream of tissue senescence. Climate can alter plant metabolism during the formative stage of tissues and could shape the final chemical composition of plant litter that is available for decomposition, and thus indirectly influence decomposition; however, these indirect effects are relatively poorly understood. Climatic stress disrupts cellular homeostasis in plants and results in the reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolic pathways, which leads to changes in the quantity, composition, and organization of small molecules and recalcitrant heteropolymers, including lignins, tannins, suberins, and cuticle within the plant tissue matrix. Furthermore, by regulating metabolism during tissue senescence, climate influences the resorption of nutrients from senescing tissues. Thus, the final chemical composition of plant litter that forms the substrate of decomposition is a combined product of presenescence physiological processes through the production and resorption of metabolites. The changes in quantity, composition, and localization of the molecular construct of the litter could enhance or hinder tissue decomposition and soil nutrient cycling by altering the recalcitrance of the lignocellulose matrix, the composition of microbial communities, and the activity of microbial exo-enzymes via various complexation reactions. Also, the climate-induced changes in the molecular composition of litter could differentially influence litter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling. Compared with temperate ecosystems, the indirect effects of climate on litter decomposition in the tropics are not well understood, which underscores the need to conduct additional studies in tropical biomes. We also emphasize the need to focus on how climatic stress affects the root chemistry as roots contribute significantly to biogeochemical cycling, and on utilizing more robust analytical approaches to capture the molecular composition of tissue matrix that fuel microbial metabolism.

Physiological and Proteomic Analysis of the Rice Mutant cpm2 Suggests a Negative Regulatory Role of Jasmonic Acid in Drought Tolerance

It is widely known that numerous adaptive responses of drought-stressed plants are stimulated by chemical messengers known as phytohormones. Jasmonic acid (JA) is one such phytohormone. But there are very few reports revealing its direct implication in drought related responses or its cross-talk with other phytohormones. In this study, we compared the morpho-physiological traits and the root proteome of a wild type (WT) rice plant with its JA biosynthesis mutant coleoptile photomorphogenesis 2 (cpm2), disrupted in the allene oxide cyclase (AOC) gene, for insights into the role of JA under drought. The mutant had higher stomatal conductance, higher water use efficiency and higher shoot ABA levels under severe drought as compared to the WT. Notably, roots of cpm2 were better developed compared to the WT under both, control and drought stress conditions. Root proteome was analyzed using the Tandem Mass Tag strategy to better understand this difference at the molecular level. Expectedly, AOC was unique but notably highly abundant under drought in the WT. Identification of other differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) suggested increased energy metabolism (i.e., increased mobilization of resources) and reactive oxygen species scavenging in cpm2 under drought. Additionally, various proteins involved in secondary metabolism, cell growth and cell wall synthesis were also more abundant in cpm2 roots. Proteome-guided transcript, metabolite, and histological analyses provided further insights into the favorable adaptations and responses, most likely orchestrated by the lack of JA, in the cpm2 roots. Our results in cpm2 are discussed in the light of JA crosstalk to other phytohormones. These results together pave the path for understanding the precise role of JA during drought stress in rice.

Connecting Homogalacturonan-Type Pectin Remodeling to Acid Growth

According to the 'acid growth theory', cell wall acidification controls cell elongation, therefore plant growth. This notably involves changes in cell wall mechanics through modifications of cell wall polysaccharide structure. Recently, advances in cell biology showed that changes in cell elongation rate can be mediated by the remodeling of pectins, and in particular of homogalacturonans (HGs). Their demethylesterification appears to be a key element controlling the chemistry and the rheology of the cell wall. We postulate that precise and dynamic modulation of extracellular pH plays a central role in the control of HG-modifying enzyme activities, and in particular those of pectin methylesterases and polygalacturonases. We propose that acid growth requires dynamic HG remodeling through the tight control of cell wall pH.

Plasma membrane proteomics in the maize primary root growth zone: novel insights into root growth adaptation to water stress

Previous work on maize (Zea mays L.) primary root growth under water stress showed that cell elongation is maintained in the apical region of the growth zone but progressively inhibited further from the apex. These responses involve spatially differential and coordinated regulation of osmotic adjustment, modification of cell wall extensibility, and other cellular growth processes that are required for root growth under water-stressed conditions. As the interface between the cytoplasm and the apoplast (including the cell wall), the plasma membrane likely plays critical roles in these responses. Using a simplified method for enrichment of plasma membrane proteins, the developmental distribution of plasma membrane proteins was analysed in the growth zone of well-watered and water-stressed maize primary roots. The results identified 432 proteins with differential abundances in well-watered and water-stressed roots. The majority of changes involved region-specific patterns of response, and the identities of the water stress-responsive proteins suggest involvement in diverse biological processes including modification of sugar and nutrient transport, ion homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and cell wall composition. Integration of the distinct, region-specific plasma membrane protein abundance patterns with results from previous physiological, transcriptomic and cell wall proteomic studies reveals novel insights into root growth adaptation to water stress.

Spatial-temporal analysis of polyethylene glycol-reduced aluminium accumulation and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase action in root tips of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aluminium (Al) toxicity and drought are two major limiting factors for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production on tropical acid soils. Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)-induced osmotic stress (OS) simulating drought stress reduces Al accumulation in the entire root tips of common bean by alteration of cell-wall (CW) porosity, which might be regulated by two genes encoding xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase, PvXTH9 and PvXTHb The aim of this research was to understand the spatial and temporal regulation of both XTH genes in PEG-mediated Al accumulation in the root tips.

METHODS

In this study the spatial and temporal expression patterns of Al-inhibited root elongation, Al accumulation, XTH gene expression and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) enzyme action in the root tips were analysed under PEG-induced OS by a combination of physiological and molecular approaches such as quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ fluorescence detection of XET in root tips.

KEY RESULTS

The results showed that Al accumulation, expression of XTH genes and XET action were distinctly reduced in the apical 0-2, 2-7 and 7-12 mm zones under OS, implying a potential regulatory role of XTH genes and XET enzyme in CW Al accumulation in these zones.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide novel insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of CW structure modification as a response of plant roots to OS, which will contribute to mitigate Al and drought stresses, severely limiting crop yields on acid soils.

Salinity stiffens the epidermal cell walls of salt-stressed maize leaves: is the epidermis growth-restricting?

As a result of salt (NaCl)-stress, sensitive varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) respond with a strong inhibition of organ growth. The reduction of leaf elongation investigated here has several causes, including a modification of the mechanical properties of the cell wall. Among the various tissues that form the leaf, the epidermis plays a special role in controlling organ growth, because it is thought to form a rigid outer leaf coat that can restrict elongation by interacting with the inner cell layers. This study was designed to determine whether growth-related changes in the leaf epidermis and its cell wall correspond to the overall reduction in cell expansion of maize leaves during an osmotic stress-phase induced by salt treatment. Two different maize varieties contrasting in their degree of salt resistance (i.e., the hybrids Lector vs. SR03) were compared in order to identify physiological features contributing to resistance towards salinity. Wall loosening-related parameters, such as the capacity of the epidermal cell wall to expand, β-expansin abundance and apoplastic pH values, were analysed. Our data demonstrate that, in the salt-tolerant maize hybrid which maintained leaf growth under salinity, the epidermal cell wall was more extensible under salt stress. This was associated with a shift of the epidermal apoplastic pH into a range more favourable for acid growth. The more sensitive hybrid that displayed a pronounced leaf growth-reduction was shown to have stiffer epidermal cell walls under stress. This may be attributable to the reduced abundance of cell wall-loosening β-expansin proteins following a high salinity-treatment in the nutrient solution (100 mM NaCl, 8 days). This study clearly documents that salt stress impairs epidermal wall-loosening in growth-reduced maize leaves.

Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress in root tips of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Previous studies have shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress (OS) reduces cell-wall (CW) porosity and limits aluminium (Al) uptake by root tips of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A subsequent transcriptomic study suggested that genes related to CW processes are involved in adjustment to OS. In this study, a proteomic and phosphoproteomic approach was applied to identify OS-induced protein regulation to further improve our understanding of how OS affects Al accumulation. Analysis of total soluble proteins in root tips indicated that, in total, 22 proteins were differentially regulated by OS; these proteins were functionally categorized. Seventy-seven per- cent of the total expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, particularly of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. An analysis of the apoplastic proteome revealed that OS reduced the level of five proteins and increased that of seven proteins. Investigation of the total soluble phosphoproteome suggested that dehydrin responded to OS with an enhanced phosphorylation state without a change in abundance. A cellular immunolocalization analysis indicated that dehydrin was localized mainly in the CW. This suggests that dehydrin may play a major protective role in the OS-induced physical breakdown of the CW structure and thus maintenance of the reversibility of CW extensibility during recovery from OS. The proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses provided novel insights into the complex mechanisms of OS-induced reduction of Al accumulation in the root tips of common bean and highlight a key role for modification of CW structure.

Abscisic acid- and stress-induced highly proline-rich glycoproteins regulate root growth in rice

In the root of rice (Oryza sativa), abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, salinity, or water deficit stress induces the expression of a family of four genes, REPETITIVE PROLINE-RICH PROTEIN (RePRP). These genes encode two subclasses of novel proline-rich glycoproteins with highly repetitive PX₁PX₂ motifs, RePRP1 and RePRP2. RePRP orthologs exist only in monocotyledonous plants, and their functions are virtually unknown. Rice RePRPs are heavily glycosylated with arabinose and glucose on multiple hydroxyproline residues. They are significantly different from arabinogalactan proteins that have glycan chains composed of arabinose and galactose. Transient and stable expressions of RePRP-green fluorescent protein reveal that a fraction of this protein is localized to the plasma membrane. In rice roots, ABA treatment increases RePRP expression preferentially in the elongation zone. Overexpression of RePRP in transgenic rice reduces root cell elongation in the absence of ABA, similar to the effect of ABA on wild-type roots. Conversely, simultaneous knockdown of the expression of RePRP1 and RePRP2 reduces the root sensitivity to ABA, indicating that RePRP proteins play an essential role in ABA/stress regulation of root growth and development. Moreover, rice RePRPs specifically interact with a polysaccharide, arabinogalactan, in a dosage-dependent manner. It is suggested that RePRP1 and RePRP2 are functionally redundant suppressors of root cell expansion and probably act through interactions with cell wall components near the plasma membrane.

Apoplastic hydrogen peroxide in the growth zone of the maize primary root under water stress. I. Increased levels are specific to the apical region of growth maintenance

Previous work on the adaptation of maize (Zea mays L.) primary root growth to water stress showed that cell elongation is maintained in the apical region of the growth zone but progressively inhibited further from the apex. Cell wall proteomic analysis suggested that levels of apoplastic reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), may be modified in a region-specific manner within the growth zone of water-stressed roots. Apoplastic ROS may have wall loosening or tightening effects and may also have other growth regulatory functions. To gain an understanding of how apoplastic ROS levels change under water stress, cerium chloride staining was used in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy to examine the spatial distribution of apoplastic H2O2. The results revealed that apoplastic H2O2 levels increased specifically in the apical region of the growth zone under water stress, correlating spatially with the maintenance of cell elongation. The basal regions of the growth zone of water-stressed roots and the entire growth zone of well-watered roots exhibited relatively low levels of apoplastic H2O2. The increase in apoplastic H2O2 in the apical region under water stress probably resulted, at least in part, from a pronounced increase in oxalate oxidase activity in this region. By contrast, well-watered roots showed negligible oxalate oxidase activity throughout the growth zone. The results show that changes in apoplastic ROS levels in the root growth zone under water-deficit conditions are regulated in a spatially-specific manner, suggesting that this response may play an important role in maize root adaptation to water stress.

Abscisic acid accumulation modulates auxin transport in the root tip to enhance proton secretion for maintaining root growth under moderate water stress

Maintenance of root growth is essential for plant adaptation to soil drying. Here, we tested the hypothesis that auxin transport is involved in mediating ABA's modulation by activating proton secretion in the root tip to maintain root growth under moderate water stress. Rice and Arabidopsis plants were raised under a hydroponic system and subjected to moderate water stress (-0.47 MPa) with polyethylene glycol (PEG). ABA accumulation, auxin transport and plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity at the root tip were monitored in addition to the primary root elongation and root hair density. We found that moderate water stress increases ABA accumulation and auxin transport in the root apex. Additionally, ABA modulation is involved in the regulation of auxin transport in the root tip. The transported auxin activates the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase to release more protons along the root tip in its adaption to moderate water stress. The proton secretion in the root tip is essential in maintaining or promoting primary root elongation and root hair development under moderate water stress. These results suggest that ABA accumulation modulates auxin transport in the root tip, which enhances proton secretion for maintaining root growth under moderate water stress.

Hydrogen peroxide induced phenylpropanoids pathway eliciting a defensive response in plants micropropagated in Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBs)

The relation between the oxidative burst and phenylpropanoid pathways has been studied using the sugarcane cultivar C86-56, which does not release phenolics in agar-base micropropagation systems. In stationary liquid culture, a significant production of phenolic compounds and plant survival were determined in sugarcane plants treated with 5mM H(2)O(2). The spectrophotometer determinations and the gene expression analysis corroborated that releasing of phenolics and soluble θ-quinones was induced during the first 24h of treatment. In comparison with the control treatments, sugarcane plants treated with H(2)O(2) demonstrated differences in the micropropagation-related variables when multiplied in Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBs) supplemented with polyethyleneglycol (PEG 20%). Expression of selected genes related to photosynthesis, ethylene, auxins, oxidative burst, and defense pathways were confirmed during the entire PEG 20% stress in the plants coming from the 5mM H(2)O(2) treatment; whereas, much more heterogeneous expression patterns were evidenced in plants stressed with PEG but not previously treated with H(2)O(2). RT-PCR expression analysis supports the hypothesis that while H(2)O(2) induces the oxidative burst, the phenylpropanoids pathways elicit and maintain the defensive response mechanism in micropropagated sugarcane plants.

Expansins are involved in cell growth mediated by abscisic acid and indole-3-acetic acid under drought stress in wheat

Expansin protein is a component of the cell wall generally accepted to be the key regulator of cell wall extension during plant growth. Plant hormones regulate expansin gene expression as well as plant growth during drought stress. However, the relationship between expansin and plant hormone is far from clear. Here, we studied the involvement of expansin in plant cell growth mediated by the hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) under osmotic stress which was induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000. Wheat coleoptiles from a drought-resistant cultivar HF9703 and a drought-sensitive cultivar 921842 were used to evaluate cell growth and expansin activity. Osmotic stress induced the accumulation of ABA. ABA induced expansin activity mainly by enhancing expansin expression, since ABA induced cell wall basification via decreasing plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity, which was unfavorable for expansin activity. Although ABA induced expansin activity and cell wall extension, treatment with exogenous ABA and/or fluridone (FLU, an ABA inhibitor) suggested that ABA was involved in the coleoptile growth inhibition during osmotic stress. IAA application to detached coleoptiles also enhanced coleoptile growth and increased expansin activity, but unlike ABA, IAA-induced expansin activity was mainly due to the decrease of cell wall pH by increasing plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity. Compared with drought-sensitive cultivar, the drought-resistant cultivar could maintain greater expansin activity and cell wall extension, which was contributive to its resultant faster growth under water stress.

Systems biology-based approaches toward understanding drought tolerance in food crops

Economically important crops, such as maize, wheat, rice, barley, and other food crops are affected by even small changes in water potential at important growth stages. Developing a comprehensive understanding of host response to drought requires a global view of the complex mechanisms involved. Research on drought tolerance has generally been conducted using discipline-specific approaches. However, plant stress response is complex and interlinked to a point where discipline-specific approaches do not give a complete global analysis of all the interlinked mechanisms. Systems biology perspective is needed to understand genome-scale networks required for building long-lasting drought resistance. Network maps have been constructed by integrating multiple functional genomics data with both model plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Lotus japonicus, and Medicago truncatula, and various food crops, such as rice and soybean. Useful functional genomics data have been obtained from genome-wide comparative transcriptome and proteome analyses of drought responses from different crops. This integrative approach used by many groups has led to identification of commonly regulated signaling pathways and genes following exposure to drought. Combination of functional genomics and systems biology is very useful for comparative analysis of other food crops and has the ability to develop stable food systems worldwide. In addition, studying desiccation tolerance in resurrection plants will unravel how combination of molecular genetic and metabolic processes interacts to produce a resurrection phenotype. Systems biology-based approaches have helped in understanding how these individual factors and mechanisms (biochemical, molecular, and metabolic) "interact" spatially and temporally. Signaling network maps of such interactions are needed that can be used to design better engineering strategies for improving drought tolerance of important crop species.

Expansin-regulated cell elongation is involved in the drought tolerance in wheat

Water stress restrains plant growth. Expansin is a cell wall protein that is generally accepted to be the key regulator of cell wall extension during plant growth. In this study, we used two different wheat cultivars to study the involvement of expansin in drought tolerance. Wheat coleoptile was used as the material in experiment. Our results indicated that water stress induced an increase in acidic pH-dependant cell wall extension, which is related to expansin activity; however, water stress inhibited coleoptile elongation growth. The increased expansin activity was mainly due to increased expression of expansin protein that was upregulated by water stress, but water stress also resulted in a decrease in cell wall acidity, a negative factor for cell wall extension. Decreased plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity was involved in the alkalinization of the cell wall under water stress. The activity of expansin in HF9703 (a drought-tolerant wheat cultivar) was always higher than that in 921842 (a drought-sensitive wheat cultivar) under both normal and water stress conditions, which may be correlated with the higher expansin protein expression and plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity observed in HF9703 versus 921842. However, water stress did not change the susceptibility of the wheat cell wall to expansin, and no difference in this susceptibility was observed between the drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive wheat cultivars. These results suggest the involvement of expansin in cell elongation and the drought resistance of wheat.

Apoplastic alkalinization is instrumental for the inhibition of cell elongation in the Arabidopsis root by the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana; Columbia-0) roots, the so-called zone of cell elongation comprises two clearly different domains: the transition zone, a postmeristematic region (approximately 200-450 μm proximal of the root tip) with a low rate of elongation, and a fast elongation zone, the adjacent proximal region (450 μm away from the root tip up to the first root hair) with a high rate of elongation. In this study, the surface pH was measured in both zones using the microelectrode ion flux estimation technique. The surface pH is highest in the apical part of the transition zone and is lowest at the basal part of the fast elongation zone. Fast cell elongation is inhibited within minutes by the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid; concomitantly, apoplastic alkalinization occurs in the affected root zone. Fusicoccin, an activator of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, can partially rescue this inhibition of cell elongation, whereas the inhibitor N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide does not further reduce the maximal cell length. Microelectrode ion flux estimation experiments with auxin mutants lead to the final conclusion that control of the activity state of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases is one of the mechanisms by which ethylene, via auxin, affects the final cell length in the root.

Apoplastic alkalinization is instrumental for the inhibition of cell elongation in the Arabidopsis root by the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana; Columbia-0) roots, the so-called zone of cell elongation comprises two clearly different domains: the transition zone, a postmeristematic region (approximately 200-450 μm proximal of the root tip) with a low rate of elongation, and a fast elongation zone, the adjacent proximal region (450 μm away from the root tip up to the first root hair) with a high rate of elongation. In this study, the surface pH was measured in both zones using the microelectrode ion flux estimation technique. The surface pH is highest in the apical part of the transition zone and is lowest at the basal part of the fast elongation zone. Fast cell elongation is inhibited within minutes by the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid; concomitantly, apoplastic alkalinization occurs in the affected root zone. Fusicoccin, an activator of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, can partially rescue this inhibition of cell elongation, whereas the inhibitor N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide does not further reduce the maximal cell length. Microelectrode ion flux estimation experiments with auxin mutants lead to the final conclusion that control of the activity state of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases is one of the mechanisms by which ethylene, via auxin, affects the final cell length in the root.

Water deficits uncouple growth from photosynthesis, increase C content, and modify the relationships between C and growth in sink organs

In plants, carbon (C) molecules provide building blocks for biomass production, fuel for energy, and exert signalling roles to shape development and metabolism. Accordingly, plant growth is well correlated with light interception and energy conversion through photosynthesis. Because water deficits close stomata and thus reduce C entry, it has been hypothesised that droughted plants are under C starvation and their growth under C limitation. In this review, these points are questioned by combining literature review with experimental and modelling illustrations in various plant organs and species. First, converging evidence is gathered from the literature that water deficit generally increases C concentration in plant organs. The hypothesis is raised that this could be due to organ expansion (as a major C sink) being affected earlier and more intensively than photosynthesis (C source) and metabolism. How such an increase is likely to interact with C signalling is not known. Hence, the literature is reviewed for possible links between C and stress signalling that could take part in this interaction. Finally, the possible impact of water deficit-induced C accumulation on growth is questioned for various sink organs of several species by combining published as well as new experimental data or data generated using a modelling approach. To this aim, robust correlations between C availability and sink organ growth are reported in the absence of water deficit. Under water deficit, relationships weaken or are modified suggesting release of the influence of C availability on sink organ growth. These results are interpreted as the signature of a transition from source to sink growth limitation under water deficit.

Alteration of cell-wall porosity is involved in osmotic stress-induced enhancement of aluminium resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Aluminium (Al) toxicity and drought are the two major abiotic stress factors limiting common bean production in the tropics. Using hydroponics, the short-term effects of combined Al toxicity and drought stress on root growth and Al uptake into the root apex were investigated. In the presence of Al stress, PEG 6000 (polyethylene glycol)-induced osmotic (drought) stress led to the amelioration of Al-induced inhibition of root elongation in the Al-sensitive genotype VAX 1. PEG 6000 (>> PEG 1000) treatment greatly decreased Al accumulation in the 1 cm root apices even when the roots were physically separated from the PEG solution using dialysis membrane tubes. Upon removal of PEG from the treatment solution, the root tips recovered from osmotic stress and the Al accumulation capacity was quickly restored. The PEG-induced reduction of Al accumulation was not due to a lower phytotoxic Al concentration in the treatment solution, reduced negativity of the root apoplast, or to enhanced citrate exudation. Also cell-wall (CW) material isolated from PEG-treated roots showed a low Al-binding capacity which, however, was restored after destroying the physical structure of the CW. The comparison of the Al(3+), La(3+), Sr(2+), and Rb(+) binding capacity of the intact root tips and the isolated CW revealed the specificity of the PEG 6000 effect for Al. This could be due to the higher hydrated ionic radius of Al(3+) compared with other cations (Al(3+) >> La(3+) > Sr(2+) > Rb(+)). In conclusion, the results provide circumstantial evidence that the osmotic stress-inhibited Al accumulation in root apices and thus reduced Al-induced inhibition of root elongation in the Al-sensitive genotype VAX 1 is related to the alteration of CW porosity resulting from PEG 6000-induced dehydration of the root apoplast.

More from less: plant growth under limited water

When subjected to abiotic stresses, plants actively re-program their growth by modulating both cell division and cell expansion. Growth decreases rapidly upon stress onset but it recovers and adapts once stress conditions become stable. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying both stress-induced growth repression and adaptation with an emphasis on drought and leaf growth and we briefly discuss how this knowledge can be translated into crops. It is now clear that stress response of growing and mature leaves is distinct and should be studied separately. Both cell proliferation and expansion are regulated by common signaling pathways involving gibberellins and DELLA proteins while down stream effector genes are stage specific.

Complexity and coordination of root growth at low water potentials: recent advances from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Progress in understanding root growth regulation and adaptation under water-stressed conditions is reviewed, with emphasis on recent advances from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of maize and soybean primary roots. In both systems, kinematic characterization of the spatial patterns of cell expansion within the root elongation zone showed that at low water potentials, elongation rates are preferentially maintained towards the root apex but are progressively inhibited at more basal locations resulting in a shortened growth zone. This characterization provided an essential foundation for extensive research into the physiological mechanisms of growth regulation in the maize primary root at low water potentials. Recently, these studies were expanded to include transcriptomic and cell wall proteomic analyses of the maize primary root, and a proteomic analysis of total soluble proteins in the soybean primary root. This review focuses on findings related to protection from oxidative damage, the potential roles of increased apoplastic reactive oxygen species in regulation of wall extension properties and other processes, region-specific phenylpropanoid metabolism as related to accumulation of (iso)flavonoids and wall phenolics and amino acid metabolism. The results provide novel insights into the complexity and coordination of the processes involved in root growth at low water potentials.

Phosphorylation of photosynthetic antenna protein CP29 and photosystem II structure changes in monocotyledonous plants under environmental stresses

Kinetic studies of protein dephosphorylation in thylakoid membranes showed that the minor light-harvesting antenna protein CP29 could be phosphorylated in barley (C3) and maize (C4) seedlings, but not in spinach under water [Liu, W. J., et al. (2009) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1787, 1238-1245], salt, or cold stress [Pursiheimo, S., et al. (2003) Plant Cell Environ. 26, 1995-2003], suggesting that phosphorylation of CP29 is a general phenomenon in monocots, but not in dicots under environmental stresses. Abscisic acid (ABA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), NO, and the scavenger of H(2)O(2) had weak effects on CP29 phosphorylation. However, three protein kinase inhibitors, U0126, W7, and K252a (for mitogen-activated protein kinase, Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase, and Ser/Thr protein kinases, respectively), decrease the level of CP29 phosphorylation in barley apparently under environmental stresses. Therefore, these three protein kinases are involved in CP29 phosphorylation. We also found that most CP29 phosphorylation was accompanied by its lateral migration from granum membranes to stroma-exposed thylakoid regions, and the instability of PSII supercomplexes and LHCII trimers under environmental stresses.

Leaf expansion in grasses under salt stress

Restriction of leaf growth is among the earliest visible effects of many stress conditions, including salinity. Because leaves determine radiation interception and are the main photosynthetic organs, salinity effects on leaf expansion and function are directly related to yield constraints under saline conditions. The expanding zone of leaf blades spans from the meristem to the region in which cells reach their final length. Kinematic methods are used to describe cell division and cell expansion activities. Analyses of this type have indicated that the reduction in leaf expansion by salinity may be exerted through effects on both cell division and expansion. In turn, the components of vacuole-driven cell expansion may be differentially affected by salinity, and examination of salinity effects on osmotic and mechanical constraints to cell expansion have gradually led to the identification of the gene products involved in such control. The study of how reactive oxygen species affect cell expansion is an emerging topic in the study of salinity's regulation of leaf growth.

Colloidal suspensions of clay or titanium dioxide nanoparticles can inhibit leaf growth and transpiration via physical effects on root water transport

A laboratory investigation was conducted to determine whether colloidal suspensions of inorganic nanoparticulate materials of natural or industrial origin in the external water supplied to the primary root of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) could interfere with water transport and induce associated leaf responses. Water flow through excised roots was reduced, together with root hydraulic conductivity, within minutes of exposure to colloidal suspensions of naturally derived bentonite clay or industrially produced TiO2 nanoparticles. Similar nanoparticle additions to the hydroponic solution surrounding the primary root of intact seedlings rapidly inhibited leaf growth and transpiration. The reduced water availability caused by external nanoparticles and the associated leaf responses appeared to involve a rapid physical inhibition of apoplastic flow through nanosized root cell wall pores rather than toxic effects. Thus: (1) bentonite and TiO2 treatments also reduced the hydraulic conductivity of cell wall ghosts of killed roots left after hot alcohol disruption of the cell membranes; and (2) the average particle exclusion diameter of root cell wall pores was reduced from 6.6 to 3.0 nm by prior nanoparticle treatments. Irrigation of soil-grown plants with nanoparticle suspensions had mostly insignificant inhibitory effects on long-term shoot production, and a possible developmental adaptation is suggested.

The apoplastic pH and its significance in adaptation to salinity in maize (Zea mays L.): Comparison of fluorescence microscopy and pH-sensitive microelectrodes

The apoplastic ionic milieu contains essential determinants for cell expansion and plant growth. Since pH is a multifunctional basic component of this extracellular space, the knowledge of its behaviour during stress situations is of major importance. In detached leaves of maize (Zea mays L. cvs. Pioneer 3906 and SR 03) the effect of salinity on apoplastic pH was measured to investigate its adaptive role to salt stress applying two different methods: an optical approach using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes (fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC), fluorescein tetramethylrhodamine-dextran (FTMR) and Oregon Green(®) 488), and an electrophysiological technique, pH-sensitive microelectrodes. Both approaches yielded similar results. In the presence of 100mM NaCl, which was added to the growth medium, apoplastic pH of the salt-sensitive maize genotype Pioneer 3906 leaves increased in maximum by 0.4 units (pH microelectrodes) and by 0.3 units (fluorescent dyes); the salt-resistant SR 03 hardly responded. The same treatment reduced leaf growth by 60% in Pioneer 3906, but only by 40% in SR 03. Since according to acid growth considerations apoplastic pH is an important factor in elongation growth, we suggest that this pH increase is a main cause for reduced leaf growth under salt stress conditions.

Adaptations of higher plant cell walls to water loss: drought vs desiccation

Water-deficit stress poses unique challenges to plant cells dependent on a hydrostatic skeleton and a polysaccharide-rich cell wall for growth and development. How the plant cell wall is adapted to loss of water is of interest in developing a general understanding of water stress tolerance in plants and of relevance in strategies related to crop improvement. Drought tolerance involves adaptations to growth under reduced water potential and the concomitant restructuring of the cell wall that allow growth processes to occur at lower water contents. Desiccation tolerance, by contrast, is the evolution of cell walls that are capable of losing the majority of cellular water without suffering permanent and irreversible damage to cell wall structure and polymer organization. This minireview highlights common features and differences between these two water-deficit responses observed in plants, emphasizing the role of the cell wall, while suggesting future research avenues that could benefit fundamental understanding in this area.

Reductions in maize root-tip elongation by salt and osmotic stress do not correlate with apoplastic O2*- levels

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Experimental evidence in the literature suggests that O(2)(*-) produced in the elongation zone of roots and leaves by plasma membrane NADPH oxidase activity is required for growth. This study explores whether growth changes along the root tip induced by hyperosmotic treatments in Zea mays are associated with the distribution of apoplastic O(2)(*-).

METHODS

Stress treatments were imposed using 150 mm NaCl or 300 mM sorbitol. Root elongation rates and the spatial distribution of growth rates in the root tip were measured. Apoplastic O(2)(*-) was determined using nitro blue tetrazolium, and H(2)O(2) was determined using 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin.

KEY RESULTS

In non-stressed plants, the distribution of accelerating growth and highest O(2)(*-) levels coincided along the root tip. Salt and osmotic stress of the same intensity had similar inhibitory effects on root elongation, but O(2)(*-) levels increased in sorbitol-treated roots and decreased in NaCl-treated roots.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of association between apoplastic O(2)(*-) levels and root growth inhibition under hyper-osmotic stress leads us to hypothesize that under those conditions the role of apoplastic O(2)(*-) may be to participate in signalling processes, that convey information on the nature of the substrate that the growing root is exploring.

Coping mechanisms for crop plants in drought-prone environments

BACKGROUND

Drought is a major limitation to plant productivity. Various options are available for increasing water availability and sustaining growth of crop plants in drought-prone environments.

SCOPE

After a general introduction to the problems of water availability, this review focuses on a critical evaluation of recent progress in unravelling mechanisms for modifying plant growth responses to drought.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigations of key regulatory mechanisms integrating plant growth responses to water deficits at the whole-organism, cellular and genomic levels continue to provide novel and exiting research findings. For example, recent reports contradict the widespread conception that root-derived abscisic acid is necessarily involved in signalling for stomatal and shoot-growth responses to soil water deficits. The findings bring into question the theoretical basis for alternate-side root-irrigation techniques. Similarly, recent reports indicate that increased ABA production or increased aquaporin expression did not lead to improved drought resistance. Other reports have concerned key genes and proteins involved in regulation of flowering (FT), vegetative growth (DELLA), leaf senescence (IPT) and desiccation tolerance (LEA). Introgression of such genes, with suitable promoters, can greatly impact on whole-plant responses to drought. Further developments could facilitate the introduction by breeders of new crop varieties with growth physiologies tailored to improved field performance under drought. Parallel efforts to encourage the introduction of supplementary irrigation with water made available by improved conservation measures and by sea- or brackish-water desalination, will probably provide comprehensive solutions to coping with drought-prone environments.

Cell wall proteome in the maize primary root elongation zone. II. Region-specific changes in water soluble and lightly ionically bound proteins under water deficit

Previous work on the adaptation of maize (Zea mays) primary roots to water deficit showed that cell elongation is maintained preferentially toward the apex, and that this response involves modification of cell wall extension properties. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how cell wall protein (CWP) composition changes in association with the differential growth responses to water deficit in different regions of the elongation zone, a proteomics approach was used to examine water soluble and loosely ionically bound CWPs. The results revealed major and predominantly region-specific changes in protein profiles between well-watered and water-stressed roots. In total, 152 water deficit-responsive proteins were identified and categorized into five groups based on their potential function in the cell wall: reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, defense and detoxification, hydrolases, carbohydrate metabolism, and other/unknown. The results indicate that stress-induced changes in CWPs involve multiple processes that are likely to regulate the response of cell elongation. In particular, the changes in protein abundance related to ROS metabolism predicted an increase in apoplastic ROS production in the apical region of the elongation zone of water-stressed roots. This was verified by quantification of hydrogen peroxide content in extracted apoplastic fluid and by in situ imaging of apoplastic ROS levels. This response could contribute directly to the enhancement of wall loosening in this region. This large-scale proteomic analysis provides novel insights into the complexity of mechanisms that regulate root growth under water deficit conditions and highlights the spatial differences in CWP composition in the root elongation zone.

A novel non-invasive optical method for quantitative visualization of pH dynamics in the rhizosphere of plants

A novel optical method for non-invasive, quantitative and high-resolution imaging of spatial and temporal pH dynamics in soils mediated by plant roots is introduced. This method overcomes present limitations of measurement of pH, mainly short-term and punctiform measurements, by recording long-term dynamics of the micro-pattern of pH in the root-soil interface without disturbance of the biological and physico-chemical conditions. Juncus effusus L., rooting in a permanently flooded rhizotron, was selected as the test organism for qualifying the technique. The measurements showed pronounced diurnal variations of pH along the roots, particularly along the elongation zone. Diurnal oscillation of pH caused by the roots reached up to 0.5 units. Long-term records at 4 s intervals over more than 8 weeks revealed considerable spatial and temporal patterns of pH dynamics in the rhizosphere of about 10% of the pH scale (pH 7.0-8.5). The measured data were validated by the use of pH electrodes. Concomitantly measured oxygen concentration showed hypoxic conditions around root tips (10-70 micromol O2 L-1) and almost anoxic conditions (0.9 micromol O2 L-1) in the bulk soil. The present study qualifies this novel pH-sensing technique as a powerful analytical tool for quantitative visualization of undisturbed bioprocess dynamics.

Characterization of plant phenotypes associated with loss-of-function of AtCNGC1, a plant cyclic nucleotide gated cation channel

Of the 57 cation channel genes in the Arabidopsis genome, over a third encode cyclic nucleotide gated cation channels (CNGCs). CNGCs are ion channels regulated by cytosolic signaling molecules (cyclic nucleotides, calmodulin, and Ca(2+)), and which conduct Ca(2+) as well as K(+) and in some cases Na(+). Little is currently known about the role CNGCs may play in plant growth and development. Here, we examined the hypothesis that an Arabidopsis thaliana genotype containing a null mutation in one of the CGNC genes (AtCNGC1) would display cation uptake-related growth phenotype differences from wild type (WT) plants. We determined that AtCNGC1 protein is primarily expressed in the roots of Arabidopsis seedlings. Seedlings lacking this protein had slightly (6-22%) lower shoot Ca(2+) than WT plants. Primary roots of Atcngc1 mutant seedlings grew faster than roots of WT plants, and had larger angles of gravicurvature and less nitric oxide generation upon gravistimulation. We conclude that channels formed (at least in part) by AtCNGC1 contribute (along with other channels) to Ca(2+) uptake into plants, and that Ca(2+) uptake into roots through AtCNGC1 affects some aspects of growth in the primary root of Arabidopsis seedlings.

Functional dynamics of plant growth and photosynthesis--from steady-state to dynamics--from homogeneity to heterogeneity

Plants are much more dynamic than we usually expect them to be. This dynamic behaviour is of paramount importance for their performance under natural conditions, when resources are distributed heterogeneously in space and time. However, plants are not only the cue ball of their physical and chemical environment. Endogenous rhythms and networks controlling photosynthesis and growth buffer plant processes from external fluctuations. This review highlights recent evidence of the importance of dynamic temporal and spatial organization of photosynthesis and of growth in leaves and roots. These central processes for plant performance differ strongly in their dependence on environmental impact and endogenous properties, respectively. Growth involves a wealth of processes ranging from the supply of resources from external and internal sources to the growth processes themselves. In contrast, photosynthesis can only take place when light and CO2 are present and thus clearly requires 'input from the environment'. Nevertheless, growth and photosynthesis are connected to each other via mechanisms that are still not fully understood. Recent advances in imaging technology have provided new insights into the dynamics of plant-environment interactions. Such processes do not only play a crucial role in understanding stress response of plants under extreme environmental conditions. Dynamics of plants under modest growth conditions rise from endogenous mechanisms as well as exogenous impact too. It is thus an important task for future research to identify how dynamic external conditions interact with plant-internal signalling networks to optimize plant behaviour in real time and to understand how plants have adapted to characteristic spatial and temporal properties of the resources from their environment, on which they depend on.

Progressive inhibition by water deficit of cell wall extensibility and growth along the elongation zone of maize roots is related to increased lignin metabolism and progressive stelar accumulation of wall phenolics

Water deficit caused by addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 at -0.5 MPa water potential to well-aerated nutrient solution for 48 h inhibited the elongation of maize (Zea mays) seedling primary roots. Segmental growth rates in the root elongation zone were maintained 0 to 3 mm behind the tip, but in comparison with well-watered control roots, progressive growth inhibition was initiated by water deficit as expanding cells crossed the region 3 to 9 mm behind the tip. The mechanical extensibility of the cell walls was also progressively inhibited. We investigated the possible involvement in root growth inhibition by water deficit of alterations in metabolism and accumulation of wall-linked phenolic substances. Water deficit increased expression in the root elongation zone of transcripts of two genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase 1 and 2, after only 1 h, i.e. before decreases in wall extensibility. Further increases in transcript expression and increased lignin staining were detected after 48 h. Progressive stress-induced increases in wall-linked phenolics at 3 to 6 and 6 to 9 mm behind the root tip were detected by comparing Fourier transform infrared spectra and UV-fluorescence images of isolated cell walls from water deficit and control roots. Increased UV fluorescence and lignin staining colocated to vascular tissues in the stele. Longitudinal bisection of the elongation zone resulted in inward curvature, suggesting that inner, stelar tissues were also rate limiting for root growth. We suggest that spatially localized changes in wall-phenolic metabolism are involved in the progressive inhibition of wall extensibility and root growth and may facilitate root acclimation to drying environments.

Dynamics of leaf and root growth: endogenous control versus environmental impact

AIMS

Production of biomass and yield in natural and agronomic conditions depend on the endogenous growth capacity of plants and on the environmental conditions constraining it. Sink growth drives the competition for carbon, nutrients and water within the plant, and determines the structure of leaves and roots that supply resources to the plant later on. For their outstanding importance, analyses of internal growth mechanisms and of environmental impact on plant growth are long-standing topics in plant sciences.

SCOPE

Recent technological developments have made it feasible to study the dynamics of plant growth in temporal and spatial scales that are relevant to link macroscopic growth with molecular control. These developments provided first insights into the truly dynamic interaction between environment and endogenous control of plant growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence is presented in this paper that the relative importance of endogenous control versus the impact of the dynamics of the environment depends on the frequency pattern of the environmental conditions to which the tissue is exposed. It can further be speculated that this is not only relevant within individual plants (hence leaves versus roots), but also crucial for the adaptation of plant species to the various dynamics of their environments. The following are discussed: mechanisms linking growth and concentrations of primary metabolites, and differences and homologies between spatial and temporal patterns of root and leaf growth with metabolite patterns.

Differential expression profiles of growth-related genes in the elongation zone of maize primary roots

Growth in the apical elongation zone of plant roots is central to the development of functional root systems. Rates of root segmental elongation change from accelerating to decelerating as cell development proceeds from newly formed to fully elongated status. One of the primary variables regulating these changes in elongation rates is the extensibility of the elongating cell walls. To help decipher the complex molecular mechanisms involved in spatially variable root growth, we performed a gene identification study along primary root tips of maize (Zea mays) seedlings using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and candidate gene approaches. Using SSH we isolated 150 non-redundant cDNA clones representing root growth-related genes (RGGs) that were preferentially expressed in the elongation zone. Differential expression patterns were revealed by Northern blot analysis for 41 of the identified genes and several candidate genes. Many of the genes have not been previously reported to be involved in root growth processes in maize. Genes were classified into groups based on the predicted function of the encoded proteins: cell wall metabolism, cytoskeleton, general metabolism, signaling and unknown. In-situ hybridization performed for two selected genes, confirmed the spatial distribution of expression shown by Northern blots and revealed subtle differences in tissue localization. Interestingly, spatial profiles of expression for some cell wall related genes appeared to correlate with the profile of accelerating root elongation and changed appropriately under growth-inhibitory water deficit.