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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
Peptide hormones in shaping root system architecture and environmental adaptation: Current advances and translational
Xuechen Zhao1, Hongqin Tan2, Gaojian Li1
1The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environmental Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Precision Molecular Crop Design and Breeding, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology and Genetic Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
Abstract:
Root system architecture (RSA) is pivotal to plant nutrient acquisition and environmental adaptation. In recent years, peptide hormones-intercellular signaling molecules that act locally or systemically-have emerged as critical regulators of RSA. These hormones are recognized by specific receptor kinases, which transduce peptide signals by activating downstream pathways involving calcium fluxes, reactive oxygen species bursts, and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, or by directly modulating core signaling components. These signaling networks integrate endogenous developmental cues with exogenous environmental stimuli to fine-tune root growth and development, thereby shaping RSA plasticity. This review provides a systematic analysis of the essential roles of peptide hormones in regulating RSA plasticity, elucidates their associated molecular pathways, and critically assesses their potential to optimize crop RSA, improve nutrient use efficiency, and enhance stress resistance, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture.
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