title: RSL class I genes positively regulate root hair development in Oryza sativa.
abstract: Root hairs are filamentous protuberances from superficial cells of plant roots that are critical for nutrient uptake. Genes encoding ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE-SIX LIKE (RSL) class I basic helix-loop-helix proteins are expressed in future root hair cells (trichoblasts) of the Arabidopsis thaliana root where they positively regulate root hair cell development. We characterized the function of class I genes in Oryza sativa root development. We show that there are three RSL class I genes in O. sativa and that each is expressed in developing root hair cells. Reduction of RSL class I function results in the development of shorter root hairs than in wild-type. Ectopic overexpression results in the development of ectopic root hair cells. These data suggest that expression of individual RSL class I proteins is sufficient for root hair development in the cereal O. sativa (rice). Therefore RSL class I genes have been conserved since O. sativa and A. thaliana last shared a common ancestor. However, given that RSL class I genes are not sufficient for root hair development in A. thaliana, it suggests that there are differences in the mechanisms repressing RSL class I gene activity between members of the Poaceae and Brassicaceae.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.|Oxford Martin School, Plants for the 21st Century Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.
authors.forename: Chul Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang-Deok
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.|Oxford Martin School, Plants for the 21st Century Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.
authors.forename: Liam
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dolan
mesh_terms: D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000187:drug effects; D017343:Genes, Plant; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D012275:Oryza / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010802:Phylogeny; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D010940:Plant Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: 
  Arabidopsis thaliana
  ; 
  Oryza sativa
  ; ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE-SIX LIKE (RSL) class I genes; basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors; rice; root hair; roots