High impact information on PLS

• PLS expression is repressed by ethylene and induced by auxin [1].
• Our results suggest a mechanism whereby PLS negatively regulates ethylene responses to modulate cell division and expansion via downstream effects on microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics and auxin signaling, thereby influencing root growth and lateral root development [1].
• Using the Arabidopsis root as a model to study PLS action in plant development, we discovered a link between PLS, ethylene signaling, auxin homeostasis, and microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics [1].
• Little is known about peptide signaling in plant growth; however, Arabidopsis thaliana POLARIS (PLS), encoding a 36-amino acid peptide, is required for correct root growth and vascular development [1].
• Mutation of PLS results in an enhanced ethylene-response phenotype, defective auxin transport and homeostasis, and altered microtubule sensitivity to inhibitors [1].

Biological context of PLS

• We propose that PLS is required for correct auxin-cytokinin homeostasis to modulate root growth and leaf vascular patterning [2].
• Cloning of the PLS locus revealed that the promoter trap T-DNA had inserted into a short open reading frame (ORF) [2].
• The POLARIS (PLS) gene of Arabidopsis was identified as a promoter trap transgenic line, showing beta-glucuronidase fusion gene expression predominantly in the embryonic and seedling root, with low expression in aerial parts [2].

References