Open AccessA competitive complex formation mechanism underlies trichome patterning on Arabidopsis leaves
Author(s) -
Digiuni Simona,
Schellmann Swen,
Geier Florian,
Greese Bettina,
Pesch Martina,
Wester Katja,
Dartan Burcu,
Mach Valerie,
Srinivas Bhylahalli Purushottam,
Timmer Jens,
Fleck Christian,
Hulskamp Martin
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
molecular systems biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.523
H-Index - 148
ISSN - 1744-4292
DOI - 10.1038/msb.2008.54
Subject(s) - library science , computer science
Trichome patterning in Arabidopsis serves as a model system for de novo pattern formation in plants. It is thought to typify the theoretical activator–inhibitor mechanism, although this hypothesis has never been challenged by a combined experimental and theoretical approach. By integrating the key genetic and molecular data of the trichome patterning system, we developed a new theoretical model that allows the direct testing of the effect of experimental interventions and in the prediction of patterning phenotypes. We show experimentally that the trichome inhibitor TRIPTYCHON is transcriptionally activated by the known positive regulators GLABRA1 and GLABRA3 . Further, we demonstrate by particle bombardment of protein fusions with GFP that TRIPTYCHON and CAPRICE but not GLABRA1 and GLABRA3 can move between cells. Finally, theoretical considerations suggest promoter swapping and basal overexpression experiments by means of which we are able to discriminate three biologically meaningful variants of the trichome patterning model. Our study demonstrates that the mutual interplay between theory and experiment can reveal a new level of understanding of how biochemical mechanisms can drive biological patterning processes.