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The epidermis coordinates multi-scale symmetry breaking in chiral root growth
Natasha Nolan1, Leila Jaafar2,3,4, Yuanwei Fan1
1Department of Biology and Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St.Louis, MO, USA.
Nature Communications
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Plant root twisting emerges from microtubule-based symmetry breaking. This process propagates through the epidermis, influencing cell expansion and ultimately leading to handed root skewing.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Plant growth involves symmetry breaking, often mediated by microtubule-related genes.
- The precise mechanisms linking molecular perturbations to macroscopic twisting in plants are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate how microtubule-based symmetry breaking leads to macroscopic root twisting.
- To investigate the role of the epidermis in mediating handed root skewing.
Main Methods:
- Observing nanoscale cellulose microfibril patterning.
- Analyzing microscale skewed cell expansion.
- Examining millimeter-scale helical epidermal cell files.
Main Results:
- Aberrant cellulose microfibril patterning correlates with skewed cell expansion.
- Helical epidermal cell files emerge at the millimeter scale.
- Epidermal symmetry breaking drives whole-root skewing through environmental interactions.
Conclusions:
- The epidermis plays a dominant role in generating root twisting.
- Restoring microtubule activity in the epidermis alone can correct root morphology and growth direction.
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