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Confocal Live Imaging of Shoot Apical Meristems from Different Plant Species

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Published on: March 29, 2019

SPL13 controls a root apical meristem phase change by triggering oriented cell divisions.

Baojun Yang^1,2,3,4, Yanbiao Sun^1,2, Max Minne^1,2

¹Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|November 14, 2024

Summary

A novel small molecule triggers SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE13 (SPL13) expression in the root apical meristem (RAM), initiating oriented cell divisions. This discovery reveals molecular control over plant phase change.

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Area of Science:

Plant biology
Developmental biology
Molecular genetics

Background:

Oriented cell divisions are essential for plant morphology and size.
The regulation of these divisions, particularly in the root apical meristem (RAM), is not fully understood.
Plant development involves distinct juvenile and adult phases, but the molecular mechanisms driving transitions are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify molecular regulators controlling oriented cell divisions in the RAM.
To investigate the role of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE13 (SPL13) in root development and phase transition.
To elucidate the molecular basis of age-dependent morphological changes in the RAM.

Main Methods:

Small molecule screening to identify activators of SPL13 expression.
Analysis of gene expression patterns in Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) root tissues.
Investigating the downstream effects of SPL13 on SHORT ROOT (SHR) and cell cycle regulators.

Main Results:

A small molecule was identified that activates SPL13 expression in the RAM.
SPL13 activation induces oriented cell divisions in the RAM via SHR and cell cycle regulators.
Distinct juvenile and adult phases in the RAM were characterized, with SPL factors being crucial for the transition in both Arabidopsis and rice.

Conclusions:

SPL13 is a key regulator of oriented cell divisions and phase transition in the plant root apical meristem.
The identified small molecule provides a tool to study age-dependent developmental changes in plants.
This research offers molecular insights into how plants transition from juvenile to adult phases in root development.