Work

Root stem cell niche organizer specification by molecular convergence of PLETHORA and SCARECROW transcription factor modules

Year: 2018

Type: preprint

Abstract: Continuous formation of somatic tissues in plants requires functional stem cell niches where undifferentiated cells are maintained. In Arabidopsis thaliana , PLETHORA ( PLT ) and SCARECROW ( SCR ) genes are outputs of apical–basal and radial patterning systems, and both are required for root stem cell specification and maintenance. The WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 ( WOX5 ) gene is specifically expressed in and required for functions of a small group of root stem cell organizer cells, also called the quiescent center (QC). PLT and SCR are required for QC function, and their expression overlaps in the QC; however, how they specify the organizer has remained unknown. We show that PLT and SCR genetically and physically interact with plant-specific teosinte-branched cycloidea PCNA (TCP) transcription factors to specify the stem cell niche during embryogenesis and maintain organizer cells post-embryonically. PLT–TCP–SCR complexes converge on PLT-binding sites in the WOX5 promoter to induce expression.

Source: Genes & Development

DOI: 10.1101/gad.314096.118

Authors: Akie Shimotohno, Renze Heidstra, Ikram Blilou, Ben Scheres

Institutions: Utrecht University, The University of Tokyo, Wageningen University & Research

Language: English

Topic: Plant Molecular Biology Research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: European Molecular Biology Organization, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, H2020 European Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W2884809693

Cites: 105

Cited by: 158

Related to: 10