Polar transport of auxin: carrier-mediated flux across the plasma membrane or neurotransmitter-like secretion?
Auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) has its name derived from the Greek word auxein, meaning 'to increase', and it drives plant growth and development. Auxin is a small molecule derived from the amino acid tryptophan and has both hormone- and morphogen-like properties. Although there is much still to be learned, recent progress has started to unveil how auxin is transported from cell-to-cell in a polar manner. Two recent breakthrough papers from Gerd Jürgens' group indicate that auxin transport is mediated by regulated vesicle trafficking, thus encompassing neurotransmitter-like features.
Baluska
Frantisek
F
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn, Institute of Botany, Kirschallee 1, D-53115 Bonn, Germany. baluska@uni-bonn.de
Samaj
Jozef
J
Menzel
Diedrik
D
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000502:physiology
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents