Functional characterization of PaLAX1, a putative auxin permease, in heterologous plant systems

Auxin resistant 1 gene (AUX1) mediates auxin effect on Arabidopsis thaliana callus growth by regulating its content and distribution pattern

Callus sustained growth relies heavily on auxin, which is supplied to the culture medium. Surprisingly, there is a noticeable absence of information regarding the involvement of carrier-mediated auxin polar transport gene in callus growth regulation. Here, we delve into the role of the AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (AUX1) influx transporter in the regulation of callus growth, comparing the effects under conditions of light versus darkness. It was observed that callus growth was significantly enhanced under light illumination. This growth-stimulatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of free auxin within the callus cells when compared to conditions of darkness. In the aux1-22 mutant callus, which lacks functional AUX1, there was a substantial reduction in IAA levels. Nonetheless, the mutant callus exhibited markedly higher growth rates compared to the wild type. This suggests that the reduction in exogenous auxin uptake through the AUX1-dependent pathway may prevent the overaccumulation of growth-restricting hormone concentrations. The growth-stimulatory effect of AUX1 deficiency was counteracted by nonspecific auxin influx transport inhibitors. This finding shows that other auxin influx carriers likely play a role in facilitating the diffusion of auxin from the culture medium to sustain high growth rates. AUX1 was primarily localized in the plasma membranes of the two outermost cell layers of the callus clump and the parenchyma cells adjacent to tracheary elements. Significantly, these locations coincided with the regions of maximal auxin concentration. Consequently, it can be inferred that AUX1 mediates the auxin distribution within the callus.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of AUX/LAX family genes in Chinese hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) Under various abiotic stresses and grafting

Auxin is essential for regulating plant growth and development as well as the response of plants to abiotic stresses. AUX/LAX proteins are auxin influx transporters belonging to the amino acid permease family of proton-driven transporters, and are involved in the transport of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). However, how AUX/LAX genes respond to abiotic stresses in Chinese hickory is less studied. For the first time identification, structural characteristics as well as gene expression analysis of the AUX/LAX gene family in Chinese hickory were conducted by using techniques of gene cloning and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Eight CcAUX/LAXs were identified in Chinese hickory, all of which had the conserved structural characteristics of AUX/LAXs. CcAUX/LAXs were most closely related to their homologous proteins in Populus trichocarpa , which was in consistence with their common taxonomic character of woody trees. CcAUX/LAXs exhibited different expression profiles in different tissues, indicating their varying roles during growth and development. A number of light-, hormone-, and abiotic stress responsive cis-acting regulatory elements were detected on the promoters of CcAUX/LAX genes. CcAUX/LAX genes responded differently to drought and salt stress treatments to varying degrees. Furthermore, CcAUX/LAX genes exhibited complex expression changes during Chinese hickory grafting. These findings not only provide a valuable resource for further functional validation of CcAUX/LAXs, but also contribute to a better understanding of their potential regulatory functions during grafting and abiotic stress treatments in Chinese hickory.

Cryo-Treatment Enhances the Embryogenicity of Mature Somatic Embryos via the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in White Spruce

In conifers, somatic embryogenesis is uniquely initiated from immature embryos in a narrow time window, which is considerably hindered by the difficulty to induce embryogenic tissue (ET) from other tissues, including mature somatic embryos. In this study, the embryogenic ability of newly induced ET and DNA methylation levels was detected, and whole-transcriptome sequencing analyses were carried out. The results showed that ultra-low temperature treatment significantly enhanced ET induction from mature somatic embryos, with the induction rate from 0.4% to 15.5%, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The newly induced ET showed higher capability in generating mature embryos than the original ET. DNA methylation levels fluctuated during the ET induction process. Here, WGCNA analysis revealed that OPT4, TIP1-1, Chi I, GASA5, GST, LAX3, WRKY7, MYBS3, LRR-RLK, PBL7, and WIN1 genes are involved in stress response and auxin signal transduction. Through co-expression analysis, lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might bind to pre-novel_miR_339 to promote the expression of WRKY7 genes for stress response; LAX3 could be protected by lncRNAs MSTRG.1070680.1 and MSTRG.33602.1 via serving as sponges for novel_miR_495 to initiate auxin signal transduction; lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might serve as sponges for novel_miR_527 to enhance the expression of Chi I for early somatic embryo development. This study provides new insight into the area of stress-enhanced early somatic embryogenesis in conifers, which is also attributable to practical applications.

Transcriptome of Cenostigma pyramidale roots, a woody legume, under different salt stress times

Salinity stress has a significant impact on the gain of plant biomass. Our study provides the first root transcriptome of Cenostigma pyramidale, a tolerant woody legume from a tropical dry forest, under three different salt stress times (30 min, 2 h, and 11 days). The transcriptome was assembled using the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) de novo pipeline from GenPipes. We observed 932, 804, and 3157 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 164, 273, and 1332 downregulated DEGs for salt over 30 min, 2 h, and 11 days, respectively. For DEGs annotated with the Viridiplantae clade in the early stress periods, the response to salt stress was mainly achieved by stabilizing homeostasis of such ions like Na⁺ and K⁺ , signaling by Ca²⁺ , transcription factor modulation, water transport, and oxidative stress. For salt stress at 11 days, we observed a higher modulation of transcription factors including the WRKY, MYB, bHLH, NAC, HSF, and AP2-EREBP families, as well as DEGs involved in hormonal responses, water transport, sugar metabolism, proline, and reactive oxygen scavenging mechanisms. Five selected DEGs (K⁺ transporter, aquaporin, glutathione S-transferase, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, and superoxide dismutase) were validated by qPCR. Our results indicated that C. pyramidale had an early perception of salt stress modulating ionic channels and transporters, and as the stress progressed, the focus turned to the antioxidant system, aquaporins, and complex hormone responses. The results of this first root transcriptome provide clues on how this native species modulate gene expression to achieve salt stress tolerance.

Comprehensive Analysis and Expression Profiling of PIN, AUX/LAX, and ABCB Auxin Transporter Gene Families in Solanum tuberosum under Phytohormone Stimuli and Abiotic Stresses

Simple Summary

In this study, we provide comprehensive information on auxin transporter gene families in potato, including basic parameters, chromosomal distribution, phylogeny, co-expression network analysis, gene structure, tissue-specific expression patterns, subcellular localization, transcription analysis under exogenous hormone stimuli and abiotic stresses, and cis-regulatory element prediction. The responsiveness of auxin transporter family genes to auxin and polar auxin transport inhibitors implied their possible roles in auxin homoeostasis and redistribution. Additionally, the differential expression levels of auxin transporter family genes in response to abscisic acid and abiotic stresses suggested their specific adaptive mechanisms on tolerance to various environmental stimuli. Promoter cis-regulatory element description analyses indicated that a number of cis-regulatory elements within the promoters of auxin transporter genes in potato were targeted by relevant transcription factors to respond to diverse stresses. We are confident that our results provide a foundation for a better understanding of auxin transporters in potato, as we have demonstrated the biological significance of this family of genes in hormone signaling and adaption to environmental stresses.

Abstract

Auxin is the only plant hormone that exhibits transport polarity mediated by three families: auxin resistant (AUX) 1/like AUX1 (LAX) influx carriers, pin-formed (PIN) efflux carriers, and ATP-binding cassette B (ABCB) influx/efflux carriers. Extensive studies about the biological functions of auxin transporter genes have been reported in model plants. Information regarding these genes in potato remains scarce. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of auxin transporter gene families in potato to examine genomic distributions, phylogeny, co-expression analysis, gene structure and subcellular localization, and expression profiling using bioinformatics tools and qRT-PCR analysis. From these analyses, 5 StLAXs, 10 StPINs, and 22 StABCBs were identified in the potato genome and distributed in 10 of 18 gene modules correlating to the development of various tissues. Transient expression experiments indicated that three representative auxin transporters showed plasma membrane localizations. The responsiveness to auxin and auxin transport inhibitors implied their possible roles in mediating intercellular auxin homoeostasis and redistribution. The differential expression under abscisic acid and abiotic stresses indicated their specific adaptive mechanisms regulating tolerance to environmental stimuli. A large number of auxin-responsive and stress-related cis-elements within their promoters could account for their responsiveness to diverse stresses. Our study aimed to understand the biological significance of potato auxin transporters in hormone signaling and tolerance to environmental stresses.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CaLAX and CaPIN gene families in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under various abiotic stresses and hormone treatments

Auxin plays key roles in regulating plant growth and development as well as in response to environmental stresses. The intercellular transport of auxin is mediated by the following four gene families: ATP-binding cassette family B (ABCB), auxin resistant1/like aux1 (AUX/LAX), PIN-formed (PIN), and PIN-like (PILS). Here, the latest assembled pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genome was used to characterise and analyse the CaLAX and CaPIN gene families. Genome-wide investigations into these families, including chromosomal distributions, phytogenic relationships, and intron/exon structures, were performed. In total, 4 CaLAX and 10 CaPIN genes were mapped to 10 chromosomes. Most of these genes exhibited varied tissue-specific expression patterns assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The expression profiles of the CaLAX and CaPIN genes under various abiotic stresses (salt, drought, and cold), exogenous phytohormones (IAA, 6-BA, ABA, SA, and MeJA), and polar auxin transport inhibitor treatments were evaluated. Most CaLAX and CaPIN genes were altered by abiotic stress at the transcriptional level in both shoots and roots, and many CaLAX and CaPIN genes were regulated by exogenous phytohormones. Our study helps to identify candidate auxin transporter genes and to further analyse their biological functions in pepper development and in its adaptation to environmental stresses.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB genes families in Citrullus lanatus under various abiotic stresses and grafting

Background

Auxin plays an important role in regulating plant growth and development as well as in the response of plants to abiotic stresses. Auxin is transported by three kinds of major protein families, including the AUXIN RESISTANT 1/LIKE AUX1 (AUX⁄LAX) influx carriers, the PIN-FORMED (PIN) efflux carriers and the ATP binding cassette B/P-glycoprotein/Multidrug-resistance (ABCB/MDR/PGP) efflux/condition carriers. The biological function of several auxin transporter genes has been well characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, their function in response to exogenous auxin and abiotic stresses in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus. L) remained unknown.

Results

Here, the latest updated watermelon genome was used to characterise the ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB family genes from watermelon. The genome-wide analysis of the ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB family genes, including chromosome localisation, gene structure, and phylogenic relationships, was carried out. Seven ClLAXs, 11 ClPINs and 15 ClABCBs were mapped on 10 watermelon chromosomes. The expression profiles of the ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB genes under exogenous indole-3-acetic acid and various abiotic stresses (salt, drought, and cold stresses) treatments were performed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The transcriptional level of majority ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB genes were changed by abiotic stresses in both shoots and roots. We also analysed the expression levels of ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB genes in graft response.

Conclusion

Analysis of the expression patterns of ClLAX, ClPIN and ClABCB genes under salt, drought, cold treatment and grafting response helps us to understand the possible roles of auxin transporter genes in watermelon adaptation to environmental stresses.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-017-0500-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Synthetic strategies for plant signalling studies: molecular toolbox and orthogonal platforms

Plants deploy a wide array of signalling networks integrating environmental cues with growth, defence and developmental responses. The high level of complexity, redundancy and connection between several pathways hampers a comprehensive understanding of involved functional and regulatory mechanisms. The implementation of synthetic biology approaches is revolutionizing experimental biology in prokaryotes, yeasts and animal systems and can likewise contribute to a new era in plant biology. This review gives an overview on synthetic biology approaches for the development and implementation of synthetic molecular tools and techniques to interrogate, understand and control signalling events in plants, ranging from strategies for the targeted manipulation of plant genomes up to the spatiotemporally resolved control of gene expression using optogenetic approaches. We also describe strategies based on the partial reconstruction of signalling pathways in orthogonal platforms, like yeast, animal and in vitro systems. This allows a targeted analysis of individual signalling hubs devoid of interconnectivity with endogenous interacting components. Implementation of the interdisciplinary synthetic biology tools and strategies is not exempt of challenges and hardships but simultaneously most rewarding in terms of the advances in basic and applied research. As witnessed in other areas, these original theoretical-experimental avenues will lead to a breakthrough in the ability to study and comprehend plant signalling networks.

OsAUX1 controls lateral root initiation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Polar auxin transport, mediated by influx and efflux transporters, controls many aspects of plant growth and development. The auxin influx carriers in Arabidopsis have been shown to control lateral root development and gravitropism, but little is known about these proteins in rice. This paper reports on the functional characterization of OsAUX1. Three OsAUX1 T-DNA insertion mutants and RNAi knockdown transgenic plants reduced lateral root initiation compared with wild-type (WT) plants. OsAUX1 overexpression plants exhibited increased lateral root initiation and OsAUX1 was highly expressed in lateral roots and lateral root primordia. Similarly, the auxin reporter, DR5-GUS, was expressed at lower levels in osaux1 than in the WT plants, which indicated that the auxin levels in the mutant roots had decreased. Exogenous 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) treatment rescued the defective phenotype in osaux1-1 plants, whereas indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 2,4-D could not, which suggested that OsAUX1 was a putative auxin influx carrier. The transcript levels of several auxin signalling genes and cell cycle genes significantly declined in osaux1, hinting that the regulatory role of OsAUX1 may be mediated by auxin signalling and cell cycle genes. Overall, our results indicated that OsAUX1 was involved in polar auxin transport and functioned to control auxin-mediated lateral root initiation in rice.

Identification and Analysis of Medicago truncatula Auxin Transporter Gene Families Uncover their Roles in Responses to Sinorhizobium meliloti Infection

Auxin transport plays a pivotal role in the interaction between legume species and nitrogen-fixing bacteria to form symbioses. Auxin influx carriers auxin resistant 1/like aux 1 (AUX/LAX), efflux carriers pin-formed (PIN) and efflux/conditional P-glycoprotein (PGP/ABCB) are three major protein families participating in auxin polar transport. We used the latest Medicago truncatula genome sequence to characterize and analyze the M. truncatula LAX (MtLAX), M. truncatula PIN (MtPIN) and M. truncatula ABCB (MtABCB) families. Transient expression experiments indicated that three representative auxin transporters (MtLAX3, MtPIN7 and MtABCB1) showed cell plasma membrane localizations. The expression of most MtLAX, MtPIN and MtABCB genes was up-regulated in the roots and was down-regulated in the shoots by Sinorhizobium meliloti infection in the wild type (WT). However, the expression of these genes was down-regulated in both the roots and shoots of an infection-resistant mutant, dmi3. The different expression patterns between the WT and the mutant roots indicated that auxin relocation may be involved in rhizobial infection responses. Furthermore, IAA contents were significantly up-regulated in the shoots and down-regulated in the roots after Sinorhizobium meliloti infection in the WT. Inoculation of roots with rhizobia may reduce the auxin loading from shoots to roots by inhibiting the expression of most auxin transporter genes. However, the rate of change of gene expression and IAA contents in the dmi3 mutant were obviously lower than in the WT. The identification and expression analysis of auxin transporter genes helps us to understand the roles of auxin in the regulation of nodule formation in M. truncatula.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling analysis of ZmPIN, ZmPILS, ZmLAX and ZmABCB auxin transporter gene families in maize (Zea mays L.) under various abiotic stresses

The auxin influx carriers auxin resistant 1/like aux 1 (AUX/LAX), efflux carriers pin-formed (PIN) (together with PIN-like proteins) and efflux/conditional P-glycoprotein (ABCB) are major protein families involved in auxin polar transport. However, how they function in responses to exogenous auxin and abiotic stresses in maize is largely unknown. In this work, the latest updated maize (Zea mays L.) reference genome sequence was used to characterize and analyze the ZmLAX, ZmPIN, ZmPILS and ZmABCB family genes from maize. The results showed that five ZmLAXs, fifteen ZmPINs, nine ZmPILSs and thirty-five ZmABCBs were mapped on all ten maize chromosomes. Highly diversified gene structures, nonconservative transmembrane helices and tissue-specific expression patterns suggested the possibility of function diversification for these genes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression patterns of ZmLAX, ZmPIN, ZmPILS and ZmABCB genes under exogenous auxin and different environmental stresses. The expression levels of most ZmPIN, ZmPILS, ZmLAX and ZmABCB genes were induced in shoots and were reduced in roots by various abiotic stresses (drought, salt and cold stresses). The opposite expression response patterns indicated the dynamic auxin transport between shoots and roots under abiotic stresses. Analysis of the expression patterns of ZmPIN, ZmPILS, ZmLAX and ZmABCB genes under drought, salt and cold treatment may help us to understand the possible roles of maize auxin transporter genes in responses and tolerance to environmental stresses.

OsABCB14 functions in auxin transport and iron homeostasis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Members of the ATP Binding Cassette B/Multidrug-Resistance/P-glyco-protein (ABCB/MDR/PGP) subfamily were shown to function primarily in Oryza sativa (rice) auxin transport; however, none of the rice ABCB transporters have been functionally characterized. Here, we describe that a knock-down of OsABCB14 confers decreased auxin concentrations and polar auxin transport rates, conferring insensitivity to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). OsABCB14 displays enhanced specific auxin influx activity in yeast and protoplasts prepared from rice knock-down alleles. OsABCB14 is localized at the plasma membrane, pointing to an important directionality under physiological conditions. osabcb14 mutants were surprisingly found to be insensitive to iron deficiency treatment (-Fe). Their Fe concentration is higher and upregulation of Fe deficiency-responsive genes is lower in osabcb14 mutants than in wild-type rice (Nipponbare, NIP). Taken together, our results strongly support the role of OsABCB14 as an auxin influx transporter involved in Fe homeostasis. The functional characterization of OsABCB14 provides insights in monocot auxin transport and its relationship to Fe nutrition.

Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of amino acid transporter gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background

Amino acid transporters (AATs) that transport amino acids across cellular membranes are essential for plant growth and development. To date, a genome-wide overview of the AAT gene family in rice is not yet available.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, a total of 85 AAT genes were identified in rice genome and were classified into eleven distinct subfamilies based upon their sequence composition and phylogenetic relationship. A large number of OsAAT genes were expanded via gene duplication, 23 and 24 OsAAT genes were tandemly and segmentally duplicated, respectively. Comprehensive analyses were performed to investigate the expression profiles of OsAAT genes in various stages of vegetative and reproductive development by using data from EST, Microarrays, MPSS and Real-time PCR. Many OsAAT genes exhibited abundant and tissue-specific expression patterns. Moreover, 21 OsAAT genes were found to be differentially expressed under the treatments of abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis indicates that 26 AAT genes with close evolutionary relationships between rice and Arabidopsis exhibited similar expression patterns.

Conclusions/Significance

This study will facilitate further studies on OsAAT family and provide useful clues for functional validation of OsAATs.

Evaluating auxin distribution in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) through an analysis of the PIN and AUX/LAX gene families

The temporal and spatial control of auxin distribution has a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development, and much has been learnt about the mechanisms that influence auxin pools and gradients in vegetative tissues, particularly in Arabidopsis. For example polar auxin transport, mediated by PIN and AUX/LAX proteins, is central to the control of auxin distribution. In contrast, very little information is known about the dynamics of auxin distribution and the molecular basis of its transport within and between fruit tissues, despite the fact that auxin regulates many aspects of fruit development, which include fruit formation, expansion, ripening and abscission. In addition, functional information regarding the key regulators of auxin fluxes during both vegetative and reproductive development in species other than Arabidopsis is scarce. To address these issues, we have investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of auxin during tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit development and the function of the PIN and AUX/LAX gene families. Differential concentrations of auxin become apparent during early fruit growth, with auxin levels being higher in internal tissues than in the fruit pericarp and the pattern of auxin accumulation depended on polar transport. Ten tomato PIN (SlPIN1 to 10) and five AUX/LAX (SlLAX1 to 5) genes were identified and found to display heterogeneous expression patterns, with tissue and developmental-stage specificity. RNAi-mediated co-silencing of SlPIN4 and SlPIN3 did not affect fruit development, which suggested functional redundancy of PIN proteins, but did lead to a vegetative phenotype, and revealed a role for these genes in the regulation of tomato shoot architecture.

AUX/LAX family of auxin influx carriers-an overview

Auxin regulates several aspects of plant growth and development. Auxin is unique among plant hormones for exhibiting polar transport. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the major form of auxin in higher plants, is a weak acid and its intercellular movement is facilitated by auxin influx and efflux carriers. Polarity of auxin movement is provided by asymmetric localization of auxin carriers (mainly PIN efflux carriers). PIN-FORMED (PIN) and P-GLYCOPROTEIN (PGP) family of proteins are major auxin efflux carriers whereas AUXIN1/LIKE-AUX1 (AUX/LAX) are major auxin influx carriers. Genetic and biochemical evidence show that each member of the AUX/LAX family is a functional auxin influx carrier and mediate auxin related developmental programmes in different organs and tissues. Of the four AUX/LAX genes, AUX1 regulates root gravitropism, root hair development and leaf phyllotaxy whereas LAX2 regulates vascular development in cotyledons. Both AUX1 and LAX3 have been implicated in lateral root (LR) development as well as apical hook formation whereas both AUX1 and LAX1 and possibly LAX2 are required for leaf phyllotactic patterning.

Expression profile of PIN, AUX/LAX and PGP auxin transporter gene families in Sorghum bicolor under phytohormone and abiotic stress

Auxin is transported by the influx carriers auxin resistant 1/like aux1 (AUX/LAX), and the efflux carriers pin-formed (PIN) and P-glycoprotein (PGP), which play a major role in polar auxin transport. Several auxin transporter genes have been characterized in dicotyledonous Arabidopsis, but most are unknown in monocotyledons, especially in sorghum. Here, we analyze the chromosome distribution, gene duplication and intron/exon of SbPIN, SbLAX and SbPGP gene families, and examine their phylogenic relationships in Arabidopsis, rice and sorghum. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that most of these genes were differently expressed in the organs of sorghum. SbPIN3 and SbPIN9 were highly expressed in flowers, SbLAX2 and SbPGP17 were mainly expressed in stems, and SbPGP7 was strongly expressed in roots. This suggests that individual genes might participate in specific organ development. The expression profiles of these gene families were analyzed after treatment with: (a) the phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid and brassinosteroid; (b) the polar auxin transport inhibitors 1-naphthoxyacetic acids, 1-naphthylphthalamic acid and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid; and (c) abscissic acid and the abiotic stresses of high salinity and drought. Most of the auxin transporter genes were strongly induced by indole-3-acetic acid and brassinosteroid, providing new evidence for the synergism of these phytohormones. Interestingly, most genes showed similar trends in expression under polar auxin transport inhibitors and each also responded to abscissic acid, salt and drought. This study provides new insights into the auxin transporters of sorghum.

Probing plant membranes with FM dyes: tracking, dragging or blocking?

Remarkable progress in various techniques of in vivo fluorescence microscopy has brought an urgent need for reliable markers for tracking cellular structures and processes. The goal of this manuscript is to describe unexplored effects of the FM (Fei Mao) styryl dyes, which are widely used probes that label processes of endocytosis and vesicle trafficking in eukaryotic cells. Although there are few reports on the effect of styryl dyes on membrane fluidity and the activity of mammalian receptors, FM dyes have been considered as reliable tools for tracking of plant endocytosis. Using plasma membrane-localized transporters for the plant hormone auxin in tobacco BY-2 and Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspensions, we show that routinely used concentrations of FM 4-64 and FM 5-95 trigger transient re-localization of these proteins, and FM 1-43 affects their activity. The active process of re-localization is blocked neither by inhibitors of endocytosis nor by cytoskeletal drugs. It does not occur in A. thaliana roots and depends on the degree of hydrophobicity (lipophilicity) of a particular FM dye. Our results emphasize the need for circumspection during in vivo studies of membrane proteins performed using simultaneous labelling with FM dyes.

Auxin transporters--why so many?

Interacting and coordinated auxin transporter actions in plants underlie a flexible network that mobilizes auxin in response to many developmental and environmental changes encountered by these sessile organisms. The independent but synergistic activity of individual transporters can be differentially regulated at various levels. This invests auxin transport mechanisms with robust functional redundancy and added auxin flow capacity when needed. An evolutionary perspective clarifies the roles of the different transporter groups in plant development. Mathematical and functional analysis of elements of auxin transport makes it possible to rationalize the relative contributions of members of the respective transporter classes to the localized auxin transport streams that then underlie both preprogrammed developmental changes and reactions to environmental stimuli.

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.

Tissue-specific expression of the PNZIP promoter is mediated by combinatorial interaction of different cis-elements and a novel transcriptional factor

Recent studies demonstrated that PNZIP and its homologs encode a special cyclase and play an important role in chlorophyll biosynthesis in higher plants. To investigate the molecular mechanism governing the PNZIP gene, the PNZIP promoter was isolated and analyzed. Deletion analysis indicated that G-box is an important element in the regulation of the reporter gene expression. Further mutation assay demonstrated that G-box and GATACT elements are necessary and sufficient for the high and tissue-specific expression of the GUS gene. Using yeast one-hybrid screening, we have isolated a novel tobacco bZIP protein, NtbZIP, which can specifically recognize the G-box of the PNZIP promoter. The NtbZIP protein shares a limited amino acid homology to Arabidopsis ABI5 and AtAREB1 and very low homology to other bZIP proteins. Northern blot analysis showed that the NtbZIP gene is not induced by exogenous ABA and is expressed in different tobacco organs. Cotransformation assays showed that the NtbZIP protein could activate the transcription of the GUS gene driven by the PNZIP promoter. Transgenic tobaccos analysis demonstrated that constitutively expressing antisense NtbZIP gene resulted in a lower NTZIP synthesis and reduced chlorophyll levels. We suggest that NTZIP is a target gene of NtbZIP, which is involved in the regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis.

Role of AUX1 in the control of organ identity during in vitro organogenesis and in mediating tissue specific auxin and cytokinin interaction in Arabidopsis

Classic plant tissue culture experiments have shown that exposure of cell culture to a high auxin to cytokinin ratio promotes root formation and a low auxin to cytokinin ratio leads to shoot regeneration. It has been widely accepted that auxin and cytokinin play an antagonistic role in the control of organ identities during organogenesis in vitro. Since the auxin level is highly elevated in the shoot meristem tissues, it is unclear how a low auxin to cytokinin ratio promotes the regeneration of shoots. To identify genes mediating the cytokinin and auxin interaction during organogenesis in vitro, three allelic mutants that display root instead of shoot regeneration in response to a low auxin to cytokinin ratio are identified using a forward genetic approach in Arabidopsis. Molecular characterization shows that the mutations disrupt the AUX1 gene, which has been reported to regulate auxin influx in plants. Meanwhile, we find that cytokinin substantially stimulates auxin accumulation and redistribution in calli and some specific tissues of Arabidopsis seedlings. In the aux1 mutants, the cytokinin regulated auxin accumulation and redistribution is substantially reduced in both calli and specific tissues of young seedlings. Our results suggest that auxin elevation and other changes stimulated by cytokinin, instead of low auxin or exogenous auxin directly applied, is essential for shoot regeneration.