AtCSLD3 and GhCSLD3 Mediate Root Growth and Cell Elongation Downstream of the Ethylene Response Pathway in Arabidopsis

The study investigated the roles of AtCSLD3 and GhCSLD3 in Arabidopsis, focusing on their function in root growth and cell elongation downstream of the ethylene response pathway. It was found that overexpression of these genes enhanced root-hair growth and cell elongation, with transgenic lines showing up to 50% increased root-hair length and density. The csld3-1 mutant showed impaired responses to ethylene and phosphate starvation, indicating CSLD3's role downstream of these pathways. CSLD3 was also linked to increased cellulose production, which contributed to root and root-hair elongation. Additionally, CSLD3-mediated hypocotyl elongation occurred independently of ethylene signaling. The findings highlighted CSLD3's involvement in root architecture regulation and its interaction with environmental cues.