Auxin-Responsive Gene Regulation in Plant Growth Systems
Summary
Auxin is a central phytohormone that orchestrates plant growth and development through tightly controlled gene‐regulatory networks. Perception of auxin by TIR1/AFB receptor complexes triggers the ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of AUX/IAA repressors, freeing Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) to bind auxin‐responsive elements in target promoters. Early auxin‐responsive genes, notably the SAUR (Small Auxin-Up RNA) family, are rapidly transcribed and influence cell expansion via modulation of proton‐pump activity, cell‐wall remodelling and interplay with other hormone pathways. Cross‐talk between auxin and stress or developmental signals, including abscisic acid and gibberellins, further refines spatial growth patterns. Advances in genome‐wide and functional analyses have revealed conserved and divergent roles of auxin‐responsive modules across species, underpinning adaptive growth, tropic responses and agronomic traits such as root architecture, seed vigour and drought resilience.
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Auxin-Responsive Gene Regulation in Plant Growth Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in auxin-responsive gene regulation in plant growth systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Auxin: A class of plant hormones that regulate growth by modulating gene expression and cell expansion.
TIR1/AFB receptors: F-box proteins that perceive auxin and promote degradation of AUX/IAA repressors.
AUX/IAA proteins: Transcriptional repressors that inhibit auxin-responsive gene expression when not degraded.
Auxin Response Factors (ARFs): Transcription factors that bind auxin-responsive elements and regulate target genes.
SAUR (Small Auxin-Up RNA): A family of early auxin-responsive genes involved in cell elongation and growth adaptation.
Abscisic Acid (ABA): A stress hormone that interacts with auxin signalling pathways to regulate adaptive responses.
References
- Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of the Roles of SAUR Gene Family Members in the Promotion of Cucumber Root Expansion. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- The Arabidopsis SMALL AUXIN UP RNA32 Protein Regulates ABA-Mediated Responses to Drought Stress. Frontiers in Plant Science (2021).
- The Rice Small Auxin-Up RNA Gene OsSAUR33 Regulates Seed Vigor via Sugar Pathway during Early Seed Germination. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
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