From one cell to many: Morphogenetic field of lateral root founder cells in Arabidopsis is built by gradual recruitment (PNAS)
Plant Science Research WeeklyBecause plant cells don’t usually move within an organ, it is possible to trace the developmental program cell by cell, through a technique called clonal analysis. If a single cell can be labeled in some heritable way, then all its progeny will also carry this label. Torres-Martínez et al. randomly…
Phylogenetic analyses of key developmental genes provide insight into the complex evolution of seeds ($) (Mol. Phylogenet. Evol.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe complex genetic network behind the development of the ovule –the cell that will give place to seeds after fertilization– has been widely described in some model plants. However, ovules hold a high variability in integument number and morphology across seed plants. To understand the genetic mechanism…
Conserved gene regulatory network integrated with stress response factors in radish and Arabidopsis root cambium (Curr. Biol.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells between xylem and phloem tissues that is responsible for the thickening of primary or lateral roots and stems. Root crops are tightly associated with the cambium regulatory mechanism which is less characterized in root as compared to shoot development.…
Fluctuating auxin response gradients determine pavement cell-shape acquisition (PNAS)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe leaf epidermis is composed primarily of undulated pavement cells arranged in a jigsaw puzzle-like architecture, with neighboring cells flawlessly interlacing with one another thanks to synchronized growth, thus making it an ideal model to study morphogenesis regulation. Seeking to better understand…
Review: Feedback mechanisms between membrane lipid homeostasis and plant development (Dev. Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyPlant development is a regulated process of cell division, expansion, and differentiation. Membrane lipids are crucial to these processes, as illustrated in this review by Boutté and Jaillais. The authors discuss the major lipid components in the different membrane systems and how these vary in space…
Reprogramming of stem cell activity to convert thorns into branches (Curr. Biol.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThorns are modified axillary shoots with a sharp tip that helps in deterring herbivores and are found among several families of angiosperms. Thorns develop from their meristem-like tip to their base, but unlike branches they are determinate organs. The mechanism of their terminal differentiation into…
Genes of the RAV family control heading date and carpel development in rice (Plant Physiol)
Plant Science Research WeeklySeed-bearing annual plants essentially get one shot at getting their reproductive timing right; too early and there won’t be enough stored nutrients to produce healthy seeds, and too late and the seeds might not mature fully before bad weather or rot sets in. Previously, the RAV (RELATED TO ABI3 AND…
Protein complex stoichiometry and expression dynamics of transcription factors modulate stem cell division (PNAS)
Plant Science Research WeeklyStem cells are a group of undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate to form new organs. In Arabidopsis roots, the quiescent center (QC: the mitotically inactive group of cells) helps regulate the division of surrounding initials and maintain the stem cell fate. What makes the QC different…
How do auxin temporal dynamics regulate patterning? (eLIFE)
Plant Science Research WeeklyAuxin forms spatial gradients that are implicated in organ morphogenesis. However, it is not known how temporal auxin gradients are integrated with the spatial information. In this paper, Galvan-Ampudia, Cerutti et al., showed using a ratiometric quantitative auxin reporter (quantitative DII-VENUS) that…