Cell biology features and gene expression programs modulating cell expansion during root organ growth
Camila Goldy1, Virginia Barrera2, Mariana Sotelo-Silveira3
1Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes (RDP), Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, Inria, F-69342 Lyon, France.
Current Opinion in Plant Biology
|August 17, 2025
Summary
Root organ growth relies on diffuse cell expansion. This review explores cell expansion mechanisms and their role in shaping root architecture and environmental adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Root organ growth is primarily driven by diffuse cell expansion along the longitudinal axis.
- Root cell expansion is a complex, adaptable process influenced by developmental stage and environmental cues, crucial for root system architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review modes and magnitudes of cell expansion in Arabidopsis thaliana root cells (meristematic and postmitotic).
- To summarize recent advances in understanding cell expansion transitions, gene expression programs, and molecular mechanisms.
- To discuss how cell expansion variations contribute to plant environmental adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Analysis of gene expression programs controlling cell expansion.
- Examination of biochemical and molecular mechanisms governing cell expansion.
Main Results:
- Cell expansion occurs at specific rates and directions based on cell type and conditions.
- Gene expression programs dictate the forces and molecular machinery for cell expansion.
- Variations in cell expansion magnitude and distribution are key to root adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Diffuse cell expansion is fundamental to root growth and architecture.
- Understanding the genetic and molecular basis of cell expansion provides insights into plant adaptation.
- Arabidopsis thaliana serves as a model for studying these dynamic cellular processes.
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