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Review
. 2017 Aug;33(8):529-539.
doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 Jun 21.

Uncovering Gene Regulatory Networks Controlling Plant Cell Differentiation

Colleen Drapek  1 , Erin E Sparks  1 , Philip N Benfey  2
Affiliations
Review

Uncovering Gene Regulatory Networks Controlling Plant Cell Differentiation

Colleen Drapek et al. Trends Genet. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

The development of multicellular organisms relies on the precise regulation of cellular differentiation. As such, there has been significant effort invested to understand the process through which an immature cell undergoes differentiation. In this review, we highlight key discoveries and advances that have contributed to our understanding of the transcriptional networks underlying Arabidopsis root endodermal differentiation. To conclude, we propose perspectives on how advances in molecular biology, microscopy, and nucleotide sequencing will provide the tools to test the biological significance of these gene regulatory networks (GRN).

Keywords: Arabidopsis root; cell differentiation; endodermis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Endodermis Differentiation Along the Arabidopsis Root Longitudinal Axis. Schematic of the CEI and CEID in (A), middle cortex division in (B) and Casparian Strip formation in (C). Legend (D) indicates cell types and features.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Gene Regulatory Networks in Endodermis Differentiation. (A) CEID asymmetric cell division GRN. Stele-derived TF SHR activates expression of SCR. SCR protein activates expression of itself and forms a complex with SHR and the IDD TFs. SHR-SCR promote CYCD6 expression and CYCD6 disrupts sequestration of SCR by RBR creating a positive feedback loop. High levels of SHR-SCR promote CYCD6 and initiate asymmetric cell division. (B) Middle cortex division GRN. SHR, SCR and SCL3 promote middle cortex division. SEU keeps levels of SHR high, preventing middle cortex formation in young seedlings. SEU is inhibited by GA signaling, reducing SHR to medium levels to promote middle cortex formation. SCL3 is responsive to both SHR-SCR and GA signaling via SEU in preventing premature middle cortex formation. (C) Casparian strip development GRN. SHR-SCR activates MYB36 expression, which binds upstream of Casparian Strip associated factors such as CASPs, peroxidase PER64 and dirigent-domain containing protein ESB1. MYB36 inhibits expression of IDDs and activates expression of SGN1. Stele-derived ligands CIF1/2 binds and promotes activity of SGN3.
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References

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