Brassinosteroid signaling delimits root gravitropism via sorting of the Arabidopsis PIN2 auxin transporter

Nat Commun. 2019 Dec 4;10(1):5516. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13543-1.

Abstract

Arabidopsis PIN2 protein directs transport of the phytohormone auxin from the root tip into the root elongation zone. Variation in hormone transport, which depends on a delicate interplay between PIN2 sorting to and from polar plasma membrane domains, determines root growth. By employing a constitutively degraded version of PIN2, we identify brassinolides as antagonists of PIN2 endocytosis. This response does not require de novo protein synthesis, but involves early events in canonical brassinolide signaling. Brassinolide-controlled adjustments in PIN2 sorting and intracellular distribution governs formation of a lateral PIN2 gradient in gravistimulated roots, coinciding with adjustments in auxin signaling and directional root growth. Strikingly, simulations indicate that PIN2 gradient formation is no prerequisite for root bending but rather dampens asymmetric auxin flow and signaling. Crosstalk between brassinolide signaling and endocytic PIN2 sorting, thus, appears essential for determining the rate of gravity-induced root curvature via attenuation of differential cell elongation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / drug effects
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Brassinosteroids / metabolism*
  • Brassinosteroids / pharmacology
  • Endocytosis / drug effects
  • Gravitropism / drug effects
  • Gravitropism / physiology*
  • Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
  • Meristem / drug effects
  • Meristem / metabolism
  • Plant Growth Regulators / metabolism
  • Plant Growth Regulators / pharmacology
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Steroids, Heterocyclic / metabolism
  • Steroids, Heterocyclic / pharmacology

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Brassinosteroids
  • Indoleacetic Acids
  • PIN2 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Steroids, Heterocyclic
  • brassinolide