Local Positive Feedback Regulation Determines Cell Shape In Root Hair Cells

February 2008 in “ Science ”

Seiji Takeda, Catherine Gapper, Hidetaka Kaya, Elizabeth M. Bell, Kazuyuki Kuchitsu, Liam Dolan

reactive oxygen species ROS ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 2 RHD2 NADPH oxidase Ca2+ calcium influx positive feedback loop

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that a positive feedback loop involving Ca 2+ and RHD2 NADPH oxidase-derived ROS helps maintain growth sites, crucial for root hair development and cell shape in Arabidopsis thaliana.

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The study investigated the role of local positive feedback regulation in determining cell shape in root hair cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. It was found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 2 (RHD2) NADPH oxidase stimulated a Ca2+ influx, which was essential for root hair growth. In turn, Ca2+ activated RHD2 NADPH oxidase to produce more ROS at the growing point, establishing a positive feedback loop. This mechanism maintained active growth sites, influencing the ultimate form of plant cells by determining the location and stability of growth sites.

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research Microtubules Regulate Tip Growth And Orientation In Root Hairs Of Arabidopsis Thaliana

287 citations , March 1999 in “The Plant Journal”

This study found that disrupting the microtubule cytoskeleton in Arabidopsis root hairs caused loss of growth directionality and suggested microtubules interact with calcium gradients to regulate apical growth stability.

research Cytoplasmic Free Calcium Distributions During the Development of Root Hairs of Arabidopsis Thaliana

317 citations , August 1997 in “The Plant Journal”

This study observed that while calcium influx does not initiate root hairs in Arabidopsis thaliana, it may be crucial for sustaining their elongation through elevated calcium levels at the root hair tip.