Integration of transport-based models for phyllotaxis and midvein formation

• Published in: Genes & development 2009-02, Vol.23 (3), p.373-384
• Main Authors: Bayer, Emmanuelle M, Smith, Richard S, Mandel, Therese, Nakayama, Naomi, Sauer, Michael, Prusinkiewicz, Przemyslaw, Kuhlemeier, Cris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Base Sequence; Biological Transport, Active; Body Patterning - drug effects; Computer Simulation; DNA Primers - genetics; DNA, Plant - genetics; Feedback, Physiological; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genes, Plant; Indoleacetic Acids - metabolism; Indoleacetic Acids - pharmacology; Meristem - growth & development; Meristem - physiology; Models, Biological; Plant Growth Regulators - pharmacology; Plant Growth Regulators - physiology; Plant Leaves - growth & development; Plant Leaves - physiology; Plant Proteins - genetics; Plant Proteins - physiology; Plants, Genetically Modified; Research Paper; Solanum lycopersicum - drug effects; Solanum lycopersicum - genetics; Solanum lycopersicum - growth & development; Solanum lycopersicum - physiology
• ISSN: 0890-9369; 1549-5477
• DOI: 10.1101/gad.497009

The plant hormone auxin mediates developmental patterning by a mechanism that is based on active transport. In the shoot apical meristem, auxin gradients are thought to be set up through a feedback loop between auxin and the activity and polar localization of its transporter, the PIN1 protein. Two distinct molecular mechanisms for the subcellular polarization of PIN1 have been proposed. For leaf positioning (phyllotaxis), an "up-the-gradient" PIN1 polarization mechanism has been proposed, whereas the formation of vascular strands is thought to proceed by "with-the-flux" PIN1 polarization. These patterning mechanisms intersect during the initiation of the midvein, which raises the question of how two different PIN1 polarization mechanisms may work together. Our detailed analysis of PIN1 polarization during midvein initiation suggests that both mechanisms for PIN1 polarization operate simultaneously. Computer simulations of the resulting dual polarization model are able to reproduce the dynamics of observed PIN1 localization. In addition, the appearance of high auxin concentration in our simulations throughout the initiation of the midvein is consistent with experimental observation and offers an explanation for a long-standing criticism of the canalization hypothesis; namely, how both high flux and high concentration can occur simultaneously in emerging veins.