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DRO 1 influences root system architecture in Arabidopsis and Prunus species
Author(s) -
Guseman Jessica M.,
Webb Kevin,
Srinivasan Chinnathambi,
Dardick Chris
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/tpj.13470
Subject(s) - arabidopsis , biology , root hair , lateral root , root system , shoot , ectopic expression , silique , botany , phenotype , prunus , oryza sativa , arabidopsis thaliana , gene , malus , taproot , mutant , genetics
Summary Roots provide essential uptake of water and nutrients from the soil, as well as anchorage and stability for the whole plant. Root orientation, or angle, is an important component of the overall architecture and depth of the root system; however, little is known about the genetic control of this trait. Recent reports in Oryza sativa (rice) identified a role for DEEPER ROOTING 1 ( DRO 1 ) in influencing the orientation of the root system, leading to positive changes in grain yields under water‐limited conditions. Here we found that DRO 1 and DRO 1 ‐related genes are present across diverse plant phyla, and fall within the IGT gene family. The IGT family also includes TAC 1 and LAZY 1 , which are known to affect the orientation of lateral shoots. Consistent with a potential role in root development, DRO 1 homologs in Arabidopsis and peach showed root‐specific expression. Promoter–reporter constructs revealed that At DRO 1 is predominantly expressed in both the root vasculature and root tips, in a distinct developmental pattern. Mutation of At DRO 1 led to more horizontal lateral root angles. Overexpression of At DRO 1 under a constitutive promoter resulted in steeper lateral root angles, as well as shoot phenotypes including upward leaf curling, shortened siliques and narrow lateral branch angles. A conserved C‐terminal EAR ‐like motif found in IGT genes was required for these ectopic phenotypes. Overexpression of Ppe DRO 1 in Prunus domestica (plum) led to deeper‐rooting phenotypes. Collectively, these data indicate a potential application for DRO 1 ‐related genes to alter root architecture for drought avoidance and improved resource use.