Lateral root development in Arabidopsis seedlings and its regulation by light

• Applicants: Dr. Stefan Kircher; Professor Dr. Peter Schopfer
• Subject Area: Plant Physiology ; Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2014 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 261041208

Recently, we could show that elongation growth of the young primary root in seedlings is controlled by the availability of photosynthetic assimilates. In addition, we could provide evidence that light controls lateral root development. Lateral roots emerge de novo from pericycle cells of the main root, a process which is mediated by auxin signaling. The aim of this research proposal is to elucidate the photo regulation of anlage and outgrowth of lateral roots in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana. Considering the so far limited knowledge about photo control of these processes we want to focus on the following essential and open questions.It is not known so far which photoreceptors and corresponding signaling components are involved in control of lateral root development. In the context of this first complex of analysis we additionally want to address the question which organs of the seedling are responsible for perception of the incident light information. The second key aspect will be directed to the question if positioning of lateral roots on the main root axis is mediated by an endogenous blueprint or controlled by light stimuli. This analysis implies clear distinction between anlage of lateral root primordia on the one and outgrowth of these structures on the other hand. Because of the essential contribution of the hormone auxin during the process of lateral root development we finally want to address the question how and on which molecular level integration of light and auxin signaling takes place. These key questions of the research proposal will be executed by means of photo biological, cell biological and genetic technologies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants