SHORT - ROOT is a key regulator of root development

SHORT-ROOT (SHR) is a well characterised regulator of radial patterning and indeterminacy of the Arabidopsis primary root. However, its role during the elaboration of root system architecture (RSA) remains unclear. We report that the indeterminate wild-type Arabidopsis root system was transformed into a determinate root system in the short-root (shr) mutant when growing in soil or agar. The root growth behaviour of the shr mutant results from its primary root apical meristem (RAM) failing to initiate cell division following germination. The inability of shr to reactivate mitotic activity in the RAM is associated with the progressive reduction in the abundance of auxin efflux carriers, PIN1, PIN2, PIN3, PIN4 and PIN7. The loss of primary root growth in shr is compensated by the activation of anchor root primordia whose tissues are radially patterned like wildtype. However, SHR function is not restricted to the primary root but is also required for the initiation and patterning of LRP. In addition, SHR is necessary to maintain the indeterminate growth of lateral and anchor roots. We conclude SHR regulates a wide array of Arabidopsis root-related developmental processes. www.plantphysiol.org on July 15, 2017 Published by Downloaded from Copyright © 2010 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.