Redox regulation of root apical meristem organization: Connecting root development to its environment

Classical histology describes the histological organization in Zea mays as having a “closed organization” that differs from Arabidopsis with the development of xylem conforming to predictable rules. We speculated that root apical meristem organization in a wild subspecies of Z. mays (a teosinte) would differ from a domestic sweetcorn cultivar (‘Honey Bantam’). Careful comparison could contribute to understanding how evolutionary processes and the domestication of maize have affected root development. Root tips of seedlings were prepared and sectioned for light microscopy. Most sections were treated with RNase before staining to increase contrast between the walls and cytoplasm. Longitudinal and serial transverse sections were analyzed using computer imaging to determine the position and timing of key xylem developmental events. Metaxylem development in mexicana teosinte differed from sweetcorn only in that the numbers of late-maturing metaxylem vessels in the latter are typically two-fold greater and the number of cells in the transverse section of procambium were greater in the latter, but parenchymatous cell sizes were not statistically different. Promeristems of both were nearly identical in size and organization, but did not operate quite as previously described. Mitotic activity was rare in the quiescent centers, but occasionally a synchronized pulse of mitoses was observed there. Our reinterpretation of histogen theory and procambium development should be useful for future detailed studies of regulation of development, and perhaps its evolution, in this species.

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Anchorene is an endogenous diapocarotenoid required for anchor root formation in Arabidopsis

10.1101/496737 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kun-Peng Jia ◽

Alexandra J. Dickinson ◽

Jianing Mi ◽

Guoxin Cui ◽

Najeh M. Kharbatia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Root Development ◽

Apical Meristem ◽

Root Formation ◽

Carotenoid Biosynthesis ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Arabidopsis Root ◽

Auxin Homeostasis ◽

Chemical Inhibitors ◽

The Family ◽

Natural Metabolite

AbstractArabidopsis root development is predicted to be regulated by yet unidentified carotenoid-derived metabolite(s). In this work, we screened known and putative carotenoid cleavage products and identified anchorene, a predicted carotenoid-derived dialdehyde (diapocarotenoid) that triggers anchor root development. Anchor roots are the least characterized type of root in Arabidopsis. They form at the root-shoot junction, particularly upon damage to the root apical meristem. Using Arabidopsis reporter lines, mutants and chemical inhibitors, we show that anchor roots originate from pericycle cells and that the development of this root type is auxin-dependent and requires carotenoid biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis and treatment of auxin-reporter lines indicate that anchorene triggers anchor root development by modulating auxin homeostasis. Exogenous application of anchorene restored anchor root development in carotenoid-deficient plants, indicating that this compound is the carotenoid-derived signal required for anchor root development. Chemical modifications of anchorene led to a loss of anchor root promoting activity, suggesting that this compound is highly specific. Furthermore, we demonstrate by LC-MS analysis that anchorene is a natural, endogenous Arabidopsis metabolite. Taken together, our work reveals a new member of the family of carotenoid-derived regulatory metabolites and hormones.SignificanceUnknown carotenoid-derived compounds are predicted to regulate different aspects of plant development. Here, we characterize the development of anchor roots, the least characterized root type in Arabidopsis, and show that this process depends on auxin and requires a carotenoid-derived metabolite. We identified a presumed carotenoid-derivative, anchorene, as the likely, specific signal involved in anchor root formation. We further show that anchorene is a natural metabolite that occurs in Arabidopsis. Based on the analysis of auxin reporter lines and transcriptome data, we provide evidence that anchorene triggers the growth of anchor roots by modulating auxin homeostasis. Taken together, our work identifies a novel carotenoid-derived growth regulator with a specific developmental function.

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The Medicago truncatula nodule identity gene MtNOOT1 is required for coordinated apical-basal development of the root

BMC Plant Biology ◽

10.1186/s12870-019-2194-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Defeng Shen ◽

Olga Kulikova ◽

Kerstin Guhl ◽

Henk Franssen ◽

Wouter Kohlen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Differentiation ◽

Medicago Truncatula ◽

Root Development ◽

Lateral Root ◽

Apical Meristem ◽

Spatial Development ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Nodule Development ◽

Lateral Root Development ◽

Xylem Cell

Abstract Background Legumes can utilize atmospheric nitrogen by hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria in special lateral root organs, called nodules. Legume nodules have a unique ontology, despite similarities in the gene networks controlling nodule and lateral root development. It has been shown that Medicago truncatula NODULE ROOT1 (MtNOOT1) is required for the maintenance of nodule identity, preventing the conversion to lateral root development. MtNOOT1 and its orthologs in other plant species -collectively called the NOOT-BOP-COCH-LIKE (NBCL) family- specify boundary formation in various aerial organs. However, MtNOOT1 is not only expressed in nodules and aerial organs, but also in developing roots, where its function remains elusive. Results We show that Mtnoot1 mutant seedlings display accelerated root elongation due to an enlarged root apical meristem. Also, Mtnoot1 mutant roots are thinner than wild-type and are delayed in xylem cell differentiation. We provide molecular evidence that the affected spatial development of Mtnoot1 mutant roots correlates with delayed induction of genes involved in xylem cell differentiation. This coincides with a basipetal shift of the root zone that is susceptible to rhizobium-secreted symbiotic signal molecules. Conclusions Our data show that MtNOOT1 regulates the size of the root apical meristem and vascular differentiation. Our data demonstrate that MtNOOT1 not only functions as a homeotic gene in nodule development but also coordinates the spatial development of the root.

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Critical level of radiation damage of root apical meristem and mechanisms for its recovery in Pisum sativum L.

Cytology and Genetics ◽

10.3103/s0095452711010051 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 18-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

E. A. Kravets ◽

A. N. Mikheev ◽

L. G. Ovsyannikova ◽

D. M. Grodzinsky

Keyword(s):

Pisum Sativum ◽

Radiation Damage ◽

Apical Meristem ◽

Critical Level ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Pisum Sativum L

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Sound Waves Promote Arabidopsis thaliana Root Growth by Regulating Root Phytohormone Content

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115739 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5739

Author(s):

Joo Yeol Kim ◽

Hyo-Jun Lee ◽

Jin A Kim ◽

Mi-Jeong Jeong

Keyword(s):

Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽

Cell Division ◽

Root Growth ◽

Apical Meristem ◽

Cell Number ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Control Group ◽

Auxin Signaling ◽

Ethylene Signaling ◽

Sound Waves

Sound waves affect plants at the biochemical, physical, and genetic levels. However, the mechanisms by which plants respond to sound waves are largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of sound waves on Arabidopsis thaliana growth. The results of the study showed that Arabidopsis seeds exposed to sound waves (100 and 100 + 9k Hz) for 15 h per day for 3 day had significantly longer root growth than that in the control group. The root length and cell number in the root apical meristem were significantly affected by sound waves. Furthermore, genes involved in cell division were upregulated in seedlings exposed to sound waves. Root development was affected by the concentration and activity of some phytohormones, including cytokinin and auxin. Analysis of the expression levels of genes regulating cytokinin and auxin biosynthesis and signaling showed that cytokinin and ethylene signaling genes were downregulated, while auxin signaling and biosynthesis genes were upregulated in Arabidopsis exposed to sound waves. Additionally, the cytokinin and auxin concentrations of the roots of Arabidopsis plants increased and decreased, respectively, after exposure to sound waves. Our findings suggest that sound waves are potential agricultural tools for improving crop growth performance.

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AT-HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALISED PROTEIN 18 as a Novel Modulator of Root System Architecture

10.20944/preprints202003.0046.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marek Šírl ◽

Tereza Šnajdrová ◽

Dolores Gutiérrez-Alanís ◽

Joseph G. Dubrovsky ◽

Jean Phillipe Vielle-Calzada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Root System ◽

System Architecture ◽

Lateral Root ◽

Apical Meristem ◽

Lateral Roots ◽

Primary Root ◽

Root System Architecture ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Root Initiation ◽

Lateral Root Initiation

The AT-HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALIZED PROTEIN (AHL) gene family encodes embryophyte-specific nuclear proteins with DNA binding activity. They modulate gene expression and affect various developmental processes in plants. We identify AHL18 (At3G60870) as a developmental modulator of root system architecture and growth. AHL18 regulates the length of the proliferation domain and number of dividing cells in the root apical meristem and thereby, cell production. Both primary root growth and lateral root development respond according to AHL18 transcription level. The ahl18 knock-out plants show reduced root systems due to a shorter primary root and a lower number of lateral roots. This change results from a higher number of arrested and non-developing lateral root primordia (LRP) rather than from decreased initiation. Overexpression of AHL18 results in a more extensive root system, longer primary roots, and increased density of lateral root initiation events. Formation of lateral roots is affected during the initiation of LRP and later development. AHL18 regulate root apical meristem activity, lateral root initiation and emergence, which is in accord with localization of its expression.

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Primary vascular patterns in root meristems of Pontederia cordata and their relevance to studies of root development

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b80-167 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 58 (12) ◽

pp. 1351-1369 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

W. A. Charlton

Keyword(s):

Apical Meristem ◽

Vascular System ◽

Root Apex ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Vascular Pattern ◽

Quiescent Centre ◽

Vascular Differentiation ◽

Pontederia Cordata ◽

Distribution Of Components ◽

Root Apices

There are several files of metaxylem cells in root apices of Pontederia cordata L., each considered to consist of a series of prospective vessels with their ends in contact. Two longitudinally adjacent vessels may be in the same file of cells produced by the root apex or in adjacent files. As the root grows, successive prospective vessels are added to the apical ends of most of the files but not all files are continued. Addition of prospective vessels appears to take place within the "quiescent centre" of the root apical meristem. Where files are not continued there is no immediate readjustment of remaining files. The longitudinal and transverse distribution of components of the vascular system (including protophloem and protoxylem) is discussed in relation to the means by which the pattern of development may be controlled. Rates of production of vessels and the final lengths of the vessels are estimated. The observations and deductions are discussed in relation to other studies of root growth, vascular differentiation, and vascular pattern formation and maintenance.

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Regeneration of the root pole in surgically transected carrot embryos occurs by position-dependent, proximodistal replacement of missing tissues

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.113.4.1305 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 113 (4) ◽

pp. 1305-1313 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F.M. Schiavone ◽

R.H. Racusen

Keyword(s):

Apical Meristem ◽

Surgical Margin ◽

Longitudinal Axis ◽

Root Apical Meristem ◽

Original Structure ◽

The Future ◽

Embryo Cells ◽

Varying Length ◽

Original Size ◽

Root Axis

Torpedo-stage carrot embryos were surgically transected at various locations along the shoot-root axis and explants of the cotyledon-bearing shoot pole were sectioned and examined in order to provide a more detailed description of root pole regeneration. When excisions occurred at the sites of the future hypocotyl, the future radicle or the future root apical meristem, the regenerating axial tissues exhibited patterns of cellular organization that were nearly identical to those seen in unsevered controls. To accomplish this restoration, new cells, of the type normally found at each cutting site, were produced behind a regeneration dome that formed over the original surgical site. The regeneration dome was displaced by division and expansion-driven extension of the longitudinal axis, and cells in the renewed region quickly acquired individual anatomical traits and collective tissue morphologies that corresponded to those of cells in the analogous locations in intact embryos. Although no clear mechanism is implied, the results of these experiments suggest that interactions between cells near the surgical margin permit them to retain their sense of location within the original structure, and apprise them of the removal of their basipetally positioned neighbors. With varying-length remnants of the shoot serving as the only vestige of the original size and shape of the embryo, cells close to the site of excision were apparently reconfigured to commence ordered divisions that ultimately reconstituted the embryonic axis.

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