Plant Biology: Building Barriers… in Roots

Daniel Von Wangenheim,Tatsuaki Goh,Daniela Dietrich,Malcolm J Bennett

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2017.01.060

Daniel Von Wangenheim, Tatsuaki Goh + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.01.060

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Abstract

The Casparian strip is an important barrier regulating water and nutrient uptake into root tissues. New research reveals two peptide signals and their co-receptors play critical roles patterning and maintaining barrier integrity.

Highlights

The Casparian strip is an important barrier regulating water and nutrient uptake into root tissues
Roots have developed barrier-like structures to regulate the flow of these resources between the external soil environment and xylem tissue that transport them to the shoot (Figure 1A)
New papers published in Current Biology [3] and Science [4,5] provide novel molecular insights, reporting new components and an elegant patterning mechanism that controls Casparian strip formation and integrity

Summary

Introduction

The Casparian strip is an important barrier regulating water and nutrient uptake into root tissues. Roots have developed barrier-like structures to regulate the flow of these resources between the external soil environment and xylem tissue that transport them to the shoot (Figure 1A). The later deposition of a glycerolipid termed suberin into the intercellular space surrounding endodermal cells creates a barrier that is essentially impermeable and prevents water and nutrients from seeping through (Figure 1A).

Results

Conclusion