Alkoxy-auxins are selective inhibitors of auxin transport mediated by PIN, ABCB, and AUX1 transporters

Polar auxin movement is a primary regulator of programmed and plastic plant development. Auxin transport is highly regulated at the cellular level and is mediated by coordinated transport activity of plasma membrane-localized PIN, ABCB, and AUX1/LAX transporters. The activity of these transporters has been extensively analyzed using a combination of pharmacological inhibitors, synthetic auxins, and knock-out mutants in Arabidopsis. However, efforts to analyze auxin-dependent growth in other species that are less tractable to genetic manipulation require more selective inhibitors than are currently available. In this report, we characterize the inhibitory activity of 5-alkoxy derivatives of indole 3-acetic acid and 7-alkoxy derivatives of naphthalene 1-acetic acid, finding that the hexyloxy and benzyloxy derivatives act as potent inhibitors of auxin action in plants. These alkoxy-auxin analogs inhibit polar auxin transport and tropic responses associated with asymmetric auxin distribution in Arabidopsis and maize. The alkoxy-auxin analogs inhibit auxin transport mediated by AUX1, PIN, and ABCB proteins expressed in yeast. However, these analogs did not inhibit or activate SCF(TIR1) auxin signaling and had no effect on the subcellular trafficking of PIN proteins. Together these results indicate that alkoxy-auxins are inactive auxin analogs for auxin signaling, but are recognized by PIN, ABCB, and AUX1 auxin transport proteins. Alkoxy-auxins are powerful new tools for analyses of auxin-dependent development.     

Plant signalling: the inexorable rise of auxin

The flow of signalling molecules across a field of cells to generate a pattern that is then transduced into a differential response in those cells is a fundamental concept in developmental biology. Recent studies have identified a system that regulates the flux of the growth factor auxin through plant tissues via the subcellular asymmetric localization of specific transporters. The recurrent use of this auxin transport system in different developmental and physiological contexts reveals a fundamental mechanism underpinning organogenesis, stem cell positioning and the growth response of the plant to the environment. Here, I will discuss key advances in the identification of auxin transporters and their integration with auxin signal transduction pathways.     

Auxin transport

Polar transport of auxin is essential for normal plant growth and development. On a cellular level, directional auxin transport is primarily controlled by an efflux carrier complex that is characterized by the PIN-FORMED (PIN) family of proteins. Detailed developmental studies of PIN distribution and subcellular localization have been combined with the analysis of changes in localized auxin levels to map PIN-mediated auxin movement throughout Arabidopsis tissues. Plant orthologs of mammalian multidrug-resistance/P-glycoproteins (MDR/PGPs) also function in auxin efflux. MDR/PGPs appear to stabilize efflux complexes on the plasma membrane and to function as ATP-dependent auxin transporters, with the specificity and directionality of transport being provided by interacting PIN proteins.     

Feedback models for polarized auxin transport: an emerging trend

The phytohormone auxin is vital to plant growth and development. A unique property of auxin among all other plant hormones is its cell-to-cell polar transport that requires activity of polarly localized PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux transporters. Despite the substantial molecular insight into the cellular PIN polarization, the mechanistic understanding for developmentally and environmentally regulated PIN polarization is scarce. The long-standing belief that auxin modulates its own transport by means of a positive feedback mechanism has inspired both experimentalists and theoreticians for more than two decades. Recently, theoretical models for auxin-dependent patterning in plants include the feedback between auxin transport and the PIN protein localization. These computer models aid to assess the complexity of plant development by testing and predicting plausible scenarios for various developmental processes that occur in planta. Although the majority of these models rely on purely heuristic principles, the most recent mechanistic models tentatively integrate biologically testable components into known cellular processes that underlie the PIN polarity regulation. The existing and emerging computational approaches to describe PIN polarization are presented and discussed in the light of recent experimental data on the PIN polar targeting.     

Computer simulation: The imaginary friend of auxin transport biology

Regulated transport of the plant hormone auxin is central to many aspects of plant development. Directional transport, mediated by membrane transporters, produces patterns of auxin distribution in tissues that trigger developmental processes, such as vascular patterning or leaf formation. Experimentation has produced many, largely qualitative, data providing strong evidence for multiple feedback systems between auxin and its transport. However, the exact mechanisms concerned remain elusive and the experiments required to evaluate alternative hypotheses are challenging. Because of this, computational modelling now plays an important role in auxin transport research. Here we review some current approaches and underlying assumptions of computational auxin transport models. We focus on self‐organising models for polar auxin transport and on recent attempts to unify conflicting mechanistic explanations. In addition, we discuss in general how these computer simulations are proving to be increasingly effective in hypothesis generation and testing, and how simulation can be used to direct future experiments. Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays Local auxin production: a small contribution to a big field Abstract     

A gain-of-function mutation in the Arabidopsis pleiotropic drug resistance transporter PDR9 confers resistance to auxinic herbicides

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains 15 genes encoding members of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) family of ATP-binding cassette transporters. These proteins have been speculated to be involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, however, little experimental support of this hypothesis has been obtained to date. Here we report our characterization of the Arabidopsis PDR9 gene. We isolated a semidominant, gain-of-function mutant, designated pdr9-1, that exhibits increased tolerance to the auxinic herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Reciprocally, loss-of-function mutations in PDR9 confer 2,4-D hypersensitivity. This altered auxin sensitivity defect of pdr9 mutants is specific for 2,4-D and closely related compounds as these mutants respond normally to the endogenous auxins indole-3-acetic acid and indole-butyric acid. We demonstrate that 2,4-D, but not indole-3-acetic acid transport is affected by mutations in pdr9, suggesting that the PDR9 transporter specifically effluxes 2,4-D out of plant cells without affecting endogenous auxin transport. The semidominant pdr9-1 mutation affects an extremely highly conserved domain present in all known plant PDR transporters. The single amino acid change results in increased PDR9 abundance and provides a novel approach for elucidating the function of plant PDR proteins.     

Vesicular cycling mechanisms that control auxin transport polarity

The polar transport of auxin controls many important plant growth and developmental processes. The polarity of auxin movement has long been suggested to be mediated by asymmetric distribution of auxin transport proteins, yet, until recently, little was known about the mechanisms that establish protein asymmetry in auxin-transporting cells. Now, a recent paper provides significant insight into the mechanism by which the GNOM protein controls the cycling of an auxin efflux carrier protein, PIN1, between the endosome and the plasma membrane. The dynamic movement of auxin transport proteins between internal compartments and the plasma membrane suggests mechanisms for alterations in auxin transport polarity in response to changing developmental or environmental regulation.     

Auxin signals--turning genes on and turning cells around

The extremely wide spectrum of the plant processes that are influenced by auxin raises the question of how signals conveyed by a single molecule can trigger such a variety of responses. Although many aspects of auxin function remain elusive, others have become genetically tractable. The identification of crucial genes in auxin signal transduction and auxin transport in the past few years has led to molecularly testable concepts of how auxin signals regulate gene activities in individual cells, and how the polar transport of auxin could impact on patterning processes throughout the plant.     

Interaction of PIN and PGP transport mechanisms in auxin distribution-dependent development

The signalling molecule auxin controls plant morphogenesis via its activity gradients, which are produced by intercellular auxin transport. Cellular auxin efflux is the rate-limiting step in this process and depends on PIN and phosphoglycoprotein (PGP) auxin transporters. Mutual roles for these proteins in auxin transport are unclear, as is the significance of their interactions for plant development. Here, we have analysed the importance of the functional interaction between PIN- and PGP-dependent auxin transport in development. We show by analysis of inducible overexpression lines that PINs and PGPs define distinct auxin transport mechanisms: both mediate auxin efflux but they play diverse developmental roles. Components of both systems are expressed during embryogenesis, organogenesis and tropisms, and they interact genetically in both synergistic and antagonistic fashions. A concerted action of PIN- and PGP-dependent efflux systems is required for asymmetric auxin distribution during these processes. We propose a model in which PGP-mediated efflux controls auxin levels in auxin channel-forming cells and, thus, auxin availability for PIN-dependent vectorial auxin movement.     

Subcellular trafficking of PIN auxin efflux carriers in auxin transport

The directional transport of the plant hormone auxin is a unique process mediating a wide variety of developmental processes. Auxin movement between cells depends on AUX1/LAX, PGP and PIN protein families that mediate auxin transport across the plasma membrane. The directionality of auxin flow within tissues is largely determined by polar, subcellular localization of PIN auxin efflux carriers. PIN proteins undergo rapid subcellular dynamics that is important for the process of auxin transport and its directionality. Furthermore, various environmental and endogenous signals can modulate trafficking and polarity of PIN proteins and by this mechanism change auxin distribution. Thus, the subcellular dynamics of auxin transport proteins represents an important interface between cellular processes and development of the whole plant. This review summarizes our recent contributions to the field of PIN trafficking and auxin transport regulation.     

植物ABCB亚家族生物学功能研究进展

ABC转运蛋白超家族结构和功能复杂多样, 包含ABCA-ABCH八个亚家族。ABCB是ABC转运蛋白的一个亚家族, 多数定位于质膜, 少数定位于线粒体膜或叶绿体膜。ABCB与其它生长素转运蛋白(AUX1/LAX、PIN)共同参与调控植物生长素的极性运输, 在植物生长发育的各个阶段发挥作用。此外, ABCB转运蛋白还调控植物的向性运动和重金属抗性等过程。近年来, 随着越来越多植物全基因组测序的完成, ABCB亚家族在禾谷类单子叶植物水稻(Oryza sativa)、玉米(Zea mays)和高粱(Sorghum bicolor)中的生物学功能开始有少量报道, 然而多数ABCB转运蛋白的功能尚未得到阐释。该文对拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)和禾谷类作物ABCB转运蛋白的研究进展进行综述, 以期为全面揭示ABCB亚家族生物学功能提供线索。     

植物ABCB亚家族生物学功能研究进展

ABC转运蛋白超家族结构和功能复杂多样, 包含ABCA-ABCH八个亚家族。ABCB是ABC转运蛋白的一个亚家族, 多数定位于质膜, 少数定位于线粒体膜或叶绿体膜。ABCB与其它生长素转运蛋白(AUX1/LAX、PIN)共同参与调控植物生长素的极性运输, 在植物生长发育的各个阶段发挥作用。此外, ABCB转运蛋白还调控植物的向性运动和重金属抗性等过程。近年来, 随着越来越多植物全基因组测序的完成, ABCB亚家族在禾谷类单子叶植物水稻(Oryza sativa)、玉米(Zea mays)和高粱(Sorghum bicolor)中的生物学功能开始有少量报道, 然而多数ABCB转运蛋白的功能尚未得到阐释。该文对拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)和禾谷类作物ABCB转运蛋白的研究进展进行综述, 以期为全面揭示ABCB亚家族生物学功能提供线索。     

植物生长素的极性运输载体研究进展

生长素极性运输在植物生长发育中起重要的调控作用.植物细胞间的生长素极性运输主要通过生长素运输载体进行调控.该文对近年来有关生长素极性运输载体,包括输入载体AUX/LAX、输出载体PIN、尤其是新近发现的兼有输入和输出载体功能的MDR/PGP等蛋白家族,以及生长素极性运输中PIN与MDR/PGP蛋白间相互作用关系进行综述.     

MDR-like ABC transporter AtPGP4 is involved in auxin-mediated lateral root and root hair development

Previous data have suggested an involvement of MDR/PGP-like ABC transporters in transport of the plant hormone auxin and, recently, AtPGP1 has been demonstrated to catalyze the primary active export of auxin. Here we show that related isoform AtPGP4 is expressed predominantly during early root development. AtPGP4 loss-of-function plants reveal enhanced lateral root initiation and root hair lengths both known to be under the control of auxin. Further, atpgp4 plants show altered sensitivities toward auxin and the auxin transport inhibitor, NPA. Finally, mutant roots reveal elevated free auxin levels and reduced auxin transport capacities. These results together with yeast growth assays suggest a direct involvement of AtPGP4 in auxin transport processes controlling lateral root and root hair development.     

Ups and downs of tissue and planar polarity in plants

The polar orientation of cells within a tissue is an intensively studied research area in animal cells. The term planar polarity refers to the common polar arrangement of cells within the plane of an epithelium. In plants, the subcellular analysis of tissue polarity has been limited by the lack of appropriate markers. Recently, research on plant tissue polarity has come of age. Advances are based on studies of Arabidopsis patterning, cell polarity and auxin transport mutants employing the coordinated, polar localization of auxin transporters and the planar polarity of root epidermal hairs as markers. These approaches have revealed auxin transport and response, vesicular trafficking, membrane sterol and cytoskeletal requirements of tissue polarity. This review summarizes recent progress in research on vascular tissue and planar epidermal polarity in the Arabidopsis root and compares it to findings on planar polarity in animals and cell polarity in yeast.     

Systems approaches reveal that ABCB and PIN proteins mediate co-dependent auxin efflux

Members of the B family of membrane-bound ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent key components of the auxin efflux machinery in plants. Over the last two decades, experimental studies have shown that modifying ATP-binding cassette sub-family B (ABCB) expression affects auxin distribution and plant phenotypes. However, precisely how ABCB proteins transport auxin in conjunction with the more widely studied family of PIN-formed (PIN) auxin efflux transporters is unclear, and studies using heterologous systems have produced conflicting results. Here, we integrate ABCB localization data into a multicellular model of auxin transport in the Arabidopsis thaliana root tip to predict how ABCB-mediated auxin transport impacts organ-scale auxin distribution. We use our model to test five potential ABCB–PIN regulatory interactions, simulating the auxin dynamics for each interaction and quantitatively comparing the predictions with experimental images of the DII-VENUS auxin reporter in wild-type and abcb single and double loss-of-function mutants. Only specific ABCB–PIN regulatory interactions result in predictions that recreate the experimentally observed DII-VENUS distributions and long-distance auxin transport. Our results suggest that ABCBs enable auxin efflux independently of PINs; however, PIN-mediated auxin efflux is predominantly through a co-dependent efflux where co-localized with ABCBs.

Predicting the experimentally observed root-tip auxin distribution requires ABCBs to efflux auxin independently, whereas PINs predominantly mediate auxin efflux where co-localized with ABCBs.