Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Lateral Root Inducible System in Arabidopsis and Maize
Published on: January 14, 2016
Auxin reflux between the endodermis and pericycle promotes lateral root initiation
Peter Marhavý1, Marleen Vanstraelen, Bert De Rybel
1Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Gent, Belgium.
The endodermis actively regulates auxin accumulation, instructing founder cells during lateral root initiation. A PIN3 auxin reflux pathway between endodermal and pericycle cells is crucial for this process.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Developmental biology
- Plant hormones
Background:
- Lateral root (LR) formation begins with pericycle cells accumulating auxin to become founder cells (FCs).
- The precise mechanisms regulating auxin buildup and focus in pericycle cells for LR initiation (LRI) remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the endodermis in regulating auxin accumulation during LR initiation.
- To elucidate the function of the PIN3 auxin efflux carrier-dependent reflux pathway in LRI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of auxin accumulation in pericycle cells.
- Investigating the role of the endodermis in LRI.
- Functional characterization of the PIN3 auxin efflux carrier.
Main Results:
- The endodermis actively regulates auxin accumulation and instructs pericycle founder cells during LRI.
- A hormone reflux pathway mediated by the PIN3 auxin efflux carrier between endodermal and pericycle FCs is functionally important.
- Disruption of this reflux pathway leads to significant defects in FC progression during LRI.
Conclusions:
- The endodermis plays an unexpected regulatory role in LR initiation.
- The PIN3-dependent reflux pathway acts as a checkpoint in LR organogenesis after FC specification, fine-tuning the process.
More Related Videos
08:04Poplar Adventitious Roots Induced by Stem Canker Pathogens: An Experimental System for Studying Roots Biology and Light Response-Related Processes
Published on: October 11, 2024
09:41Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP) to Investigate Arabidopsis thaliana Root Development at a Cell Type-Specific Scale
Published on: May 14, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Responses to Gravity and Touch
Meristems and Plant Growth
The Apoplast and Symplast
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata