GSE108730
Root Meristem Growth Factor 1 (RGF1) controls root meristem size through reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling
Purpose: Although five receptors of RGF1 have recently been identified, the downstream signaling mechanism remains unknown. The goal of this study is to elucidate signaling events following RGF1 action. Methods: mRNA profiles of the root meristematic zone from Arabidopsis seedlings with or without RGF1 treatment were generated by deep sequencing, in triplicate. The sequence reads were analyzed using Tophat and DESeq2. The mutants of selected differentially expressed genes were generated for phenotyping. Results: Our study uncovered a series of signaling events following RGF1 action. The RGF1-receptor pathway controls distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along the developmental zones of the Arabidopsis root. We identify a novel transcription factor, RGF1 INDUCIBLE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 (RITF1), which plays a central role in mediating RGF1 signaling. Manipulating RITF1 expression leads to redistribution of ROS along the root developmental zones. Changes in ROS distribution, in turn, enhance the stability of the PLETHORA2 (PLT2) protein, a master regulator of root stem cells. Conclusions: Our study clearly depicts a signaling cascade initiated by RGF1 and links the RGF1 peptide to ROS regulatory mechanisms. Overall design: mRNA profiles of the root meristematic zone from Arabidopsis seedlings with or without RGF1 treatment were generated by deep sequencing, in triplicate.