What are the mechanisms underlying differential distribution of the
plant hormone auxin within plant tissues, and how do these processes
regulate plant growth and architecture? Classical models postulate that polar auxin transport requires the activity of auxin influx and efflux carriers. Molecular genetic studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have identified AUX1/LAX and PIN gene families coding for components of influx and efflux carriers respectively. Studies in cultured plant, mammalian and yeast cells show that PINs mediate auxin efflux from cells. The PIN gene family in Arabidopsis consists of eight members, and orthologs have been found in most other plant species. Genetic studies have revealed the roles of the different PIN proteins in the establishment of auxin gradients mediating multiple developmental processes, including apical organogenesis and phyllotaxis, gravitropic and phototropic growth, root meristem patterning, vascular tissue development and embryonic axis formation. The key feature of polar auxin transport, namely its controlled
directionality, was postulated to result from the asymmetric,
subcellular localization of the efflux carriers. Remarkably, as
predicted, PIN proteins display an asymmetric localization within auxin
transport competent cells and determine the direction of auxin flow. The
decision on PIN polar targeting depends on their phosphorylation
regulated by PINOID kinase and PP2AA phosphatase. As cellular levels
(and thus the activity of PINOID) are dependent on auxin itself, this
provides a possible feedback regulation between auxin and PIN polarity. These data show that PIN proteins are key components of an intricate
auxin distribution network that mediates local auxin gradients in
multiple developmental processes. |
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来自: bengua1985 > 《专业》