A novel two-component hybrid molecule regulates vascular morphogenesis of the Arabidopsis root.
The developmental ontogeny of the vascular system (consisting of xylem, phloem and [pro]cambium) is poorly understood despite its central role in plant physiology. We show that in the Arabidopsis root meristem, xylem cell lineages are specified early, whereas phloem and procambium are established through a set of asymmetric cell divisions. These divisions require the WOODEN LEG (WOL) gene. The WOL gene encodes a novel two-component signal transducer with an unusual tandem arrangement of two receiver domains. It is expressed specifically in the vasculature from the early stages of embryogenesis on, consistent with a role as a sensor for vascular morphogenesis.
Mähönen
A P
AP
Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, POB 56, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
Bonke
M
M
Kauppinen
L
L
Riikonen
M
M
Benfey
P N
PN
Helariutta
Y
Y
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D001483:Base Sequence; D002455:Cell Division; D018744:DNA, Plant; D000071677:Histidine Kinase; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009024:Morphogenesis; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D018744:DNA, Plant; D011494:Protein Kinases; D000071677:Histidine Kinase