title: Nitrate contra auxin: nutrient sensing by roots.
abstract: In a new study published in this issue of Developmental Cell, Krouk et al. reveal a surprising mechanism by which plant root systems adapt their architecture for soil exploitation. The dual transporter NRT1.1 uses both nitrate and the plant hormone auxin as substrates, enabling soil nitrate availability to regulate auxin-driven lateral root development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Beeckman
authors.forename: Jirí
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Friml