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A crosstalk between auxin and brassinosteroid regulates leaf shape by modulating growth anisotropy
Yuanyuan Xiong1, Binbin Wu1, Fei Du2
1State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, the Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Auxin response factors (ARFs) control plant leaf shape by regulating brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. This process influences cell expansion and cell wall mechanics, guiding directional growth for varied leaf morphology.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Molecular genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Leaf shape exhibits significant variation, primarily dictated by proximodistal growth.
- The molecular mechanisms controlling proximodistal growth and subsequent leaf shaping remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phytohormonal regulation of proximodistal growth in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves and sepals.
- To identify key genetic factors and cellular processes involved in determining leaf shape.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) gene expression and function.
- Investigated the role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in plant development.
- Utilized numerical simulations to model cell expansion and organ growth.
Main Results:
- ARF6 and ARF8 activate DWARF4, a gene encoding a brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthetic enzyme.
- Phytohormones promote directional cell expansion and influence final cell size along the proximodistal axis.
- Brassinosteroids induce cell wall loosening, contributing to directional organ growth.
Conclusions:
- Auxin signaling, via ARFs, regulates BR biosynthesis to control cell wall properties.
- This hormonal crosstalk directs cell expansion, ultimately shaping leaves with variable roundness.
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