Phosphate Starvation-Dependent Iron Mobilization Induces CLE14 Expression to Trigger Root Meristem Differentiation through CLV2/PEPR2 Signaling

Dev Cell. 2017 Jun 5;41(5):555-570.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.05.009.

Abstract

Low inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability causes terminal differentiation of the root apical meristem (RAM), a phenomenon known as root meristem exhaustion or determined growth. Here, we report that the CLE14 peptide acts as a key player in this process. Low Pi stress induces iron mobilization in the RAM through the action of LPR1/LPR2, causing expression of CLE14 in the proximal meristem region. CLV2 and PEPR2 receptors perceive CLE14 and trigger RAM differentiation, with concomitant downregulation of SHR/SCR and PIN/AUXIN pathway. Our results reveal multiple steps of the molecular mechanism of one of the most physiologically important root nutrient responses.

Keywords: CLE peptides; cell differentiation; phosphate starvation; root development; root stem cells.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / growth & development*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Meristem / growth & development*
  • Meristem / metabolism
  • Phosphates / deficiency*
  • Plant Roots / growth & development*
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • CLE14 protein, Arabidopsis
  • CLV2 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Phosphates
  • Iron
  • PEPR2 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases