The whole and its parts: cell-specific functions of brassinosteroids

• Published in: Trends in plant science 2024-11
• Main Authors: Aardening, Ziv, Khandal, Hitaishi, Erlichman, Ori Avraham, Savaldi-Goldstein, Sigal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: brassinosteroids; cell type; growth anisotropy; inter-cell layer coordination; mechanical constraints; non-cell-autonomous effect
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.10.015

Cell layer and single cell mapping demonstrated variations in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling across cell types and developmental stages.Interaction between BR signaling and the local protein landscape dictates the developmental outcome.BR signaling control of BR production and movement can be a means for intercell layer communication.BR signaling coordinates growth across cell layers by reducing cell-specific mechanical constraints.Signaling from the cell wall might synchronize growth by modulating BR signaling in neighboring cell types. Brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormones operate at both the cellular and organ levels, and impart distinct transcriptional responses in different cell types and developmental zones, with distinct effects on organ size and shape. Here, we review recent advances implementing high-resolution and modeling tools that have provided new insights into the role of BR signaling in growth coordination across cell layers. We discuss recently gained knowledge on BR movement and its relevance for intercellular communication, as well as how local protein environments enable cell- and stage-specific BR regulation. We also explore how tissue-specific alterations in BR signaling enhance crop yield. Together, we offer a comprehensive view of how BR signaling shapes the whole (overall growth dynamics) through its parts (intricate cellular interactions). Brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormones operate at both the cellular and organ levels, and impart distinct transcriptional responses in different cell types and developmental zones, with distinct effects on organ size and shape. Here, we review recent advances implementing high-resolution and modeling tools that have provided new insights into the role of BR signaling in growth coordination across cell layers. We discuss recently gained knowledge on BR movement and its relevance for intercellular communication, as well as how local protein environments enable cell- and stage-specific BR regulation. We also explore how tissue-specific alterations in BR signaling enhance crop yield. Together, we offer a comprehensive view of how BR signaling shapes the whole (overall growth dynamics) through its parts (intricate cellular interactions).