Nitrate modulates stem cell dynamics in Arabidopsis shoot meristems through cytokinins
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is responsible for the generation of all the aerial parts of plants. Given its critical role, dynamical changes in SAM activity should play a central role in the adaptation of plant architecture to the environment. Using quantitative microscopy, grafting experiments, and genetic perturbations, we connect the plant environment to the SAM by describing the molecular mechanism by which cytokinins signal the level of nutrient availability to the SAM. We show that a systemic signal of cytokinin precursors mediates the adaptation of SAM size and organogenesis rate to the availability of mineral nutrients by modulating the expression of WUSCHEL, a key regulator of stem cell homeostasis. In time-lapse experiments, we further show that this mechanism allows meristems to adapt to rapid changes in nitrate concentration, and thereby modulate their rate of organ production to the availability of mineral nutrients within a few days. Our work sheds light on the role of the stem cell regulatory network by showing that it not only maintains meristem homeostasis but also allows plants to adapt to rapid changes in the environment.
Date Issued
2018-01-23
Date Acceptance
2017-12-26
Citation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2018, 115 (6), pp.1382-1387
ISSN
0027-8424
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Start Page
1382
End Page
1387
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume
115
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS. This open access article is distributed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License 4.0 (CC BY-NC-ND).
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000424191300075&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Arabidopsis
shoot apical meristem
plant nutrition
plant development
cytokinin hormones
ABSCISIC-ACID
NITROGEN
ROOT
BIOSYNTHESIS
GROWTH
ROLES
AUXIN
LEAF
EXPRESSION
TISSUE
Publication Status
Published