Work

An Endogenous Carbon-Sensing Pathway Triggers Increased Auxin Flux and Hypocotyl Elongation

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: The local environment has a substantial impact on early seedling development. Applying excess carbon in the form of sucrose is known to alter both the timing and duration of seedling growth. Here, we show that sucrose changes growth patterns by increasing auxin levels and rootward auxin transport in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Sucrose likely interacts with an endogenous carbon-sensing pathway via the PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) family of transcription factors, as plants grown in elevated carbon dioxide showed the same PIF-dependent growth promotion. Overexpression of PIF5 was sufficient to suppress photosynthetic rate, enhance response to elevated carbon dioxide, and prolong seedling survival in nitrogen-limiting conditions. Thus, PIF transcription factors integrate growth with metabolic demands and thereby facilitate functional equilibrium during photomorphogenesis.

Source: PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

DOI: 10.1104/pp.112.205575

Authors: Jodi L. Stewart Lilley, Christopher W. Gee, Ilkka Sairanen, Karin Ljung, Jennifer L. Nemhauser

Institutions: University of Washington, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå Plant Science Centre

Language: English

Topic: Light effects on plants

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,851