Update: Lateral root formation and nutrients: nitrogen in the spotlight (Plant Physiol)

We marvel at the ability of starfish to regenerate an arm, or a lizard a new tail, but even more impressive than these feats is the ability of a plant root system to create lateral roots when and where they are needed. This root system plasticity has been long studied, with a wealth of insights into the molecular mechanisms of both lateral root formation and nutrient sensing. Here, Pélissier, Mott and Bleeckman summarize recent findings on the intersection of these two fields, with an emphasis on the role of nitrogen in lateral root formation. As the authors describe, nitrate and its sister nutrient ammonium play key roles at several stages of lateral root formation, from cell divisions in the progenitor pericycle cells to emergence. (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Plant Physiol. 10.1093/plphys/kiab145