Work

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals a conserved GA–GASA1–ROS module that promotes lateral root founder cell specification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The specification and commitment of lateral root founder cells (LRFCs) from postembryonic pericycle cells are critical steps in LR development, but their earliest molecular determinants remain unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we resolved the transcriptional transitions that guide LRFC fate in Arabidopsis thaliana and identified five distinct phases of transcriptional progression during LRFC specification. Through analysis of differentially expressed genes and phenotypic observations, we showed that application of exogenous gibberellin (GA; 20 and 50 μM) promoted nuclear migration and division in LRFCs independently of DELLA signaling and revealed that gibberellic-acid-stimulated Arabidopsis 1 (GASA1) functions as a key mediator of GA to accelerate LRFC progression. Histochemical staining and cytological observations demonstrated that GASA1 mediates GA-triggered accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reinforce LRFC commitment. The GA-GASA1-ROS module is evolutionarily conserved, and GA-ROS-driven LRFC commitment is fundamental across angiosperms. Notably, GASA1 emerged during root evolution in early land plants and diversified alongside lateral and shoot-borne root systems, revealing a conserved GA-ROS axis in plant organogenesis.

Source: Plant Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102090