Cytokinin-auxin crosstalk in the gynoecial primordium ensures correct domain patterning

The phytohormones auxin and cytokinin (CK) work either antagonistically or synergistically to regulate several critical development pathways such as meristem formation and maintenance. Müller et al. show similar crosstalk between auxin and CK in controlling early gynoecium patterning. Using TCSn::GFP and DR5:RFP respectively, they show that CK and auxin function in exclusive domain in the gynoecium primordium, suggesting complementary signaling domains.  Exogenous CK induces and endogenous CK is required to activate YUCCA auxin biosynthesis genes and the auxin transporter PIN7. This intricate hormone crosstalk is crucial for hormone homeostasis and domain specification. Plant Physiol. 10.1104/pp.17.00805